Ketty

Ruby Slippers

2011-12-20T10:20:00.000-08:00

After a looong day at work and a bicycle ride in the freezing cold darkness I came home to find this...

Neatly wrapped..

..in red silk paper... Ruby slippers!!!

-with pom poms!!!!

They match my favorite red, frilly Christmas nightgown

..and I might wear my new glittery golden brooch with that...

Ahhh, Christmas bliss...

Happy Birthday Betty!!!

2011-12-18T08:51:00.000-08:00

Just popping in to say...
Happy Birthday to my favorite pin up!!!

I'll be back soon..................

Mice

2011-11-09T07:15:00.000-08:00

I made a couple of mouse brooches...

Cute, huh?

Drive

2011-10-26T07:57:00.000-07:00

We saw "Drive" on our first night in LA and all I can say is.... YES. PLEASE. GIMME. MORE!!!!!!!!!

..and then we drove around LA all night listening to the soundtrack...

Home

2011-10-26T07:47:00.000-07:00

Guess where I've been...
..and now I'm back in cold Copenhagen..

Evening view

2011-09-02T13:26:00.000-07:00

The darkness comes earlier with every day that passes.. Fall is here.

My Tumblr

2011-08-27T11:24:00.000-07:00

Okay, I'll try it out... Here is My Tumblr

Summer's almost gone

2011-08-27T06:39:00.000-07:00

Summer rained away... We got a few good sunny days in the Summerhouse and I caught a cold...

Instagram

2011-07-07T09:07:00.000-07:00

More Instagrams...
In case you'd like to follow me I'm "Kettyboudoir".. -here's a link....

The Botanical Garden

2011-07-07T08:23:00.000-07:00

My daughter and I went for a walk in the botanical garden on a sunny Summer day.

It's a magical place...

My wild love..

2011-07-07T07:47:00.000-07:00

Because I feel every Summer is the Summer of Love...

I feel like a caged animal when the Summer comes to the city, I want to run around barefoot and free, roll in the grass, pick wild flowers and berries, sunbathe by the sea, listen to psychedelic 60's music, stay up late and dance..

From the boudoir

2011-05-30T22:14:00.000-07:00

Thank you Instagram for making my photos look a bit more interesting;)

45's

2011-05-30T11:11:00.000-07:00

Finally an album for keeping our 45's in order... It was my mother in laws and I am happy to have it in our record collection.

Great print...

Great music...

..before we got this album I just didn't know where to put them...

Feeling blue

2011-05-29T06:27:00.000-07:00

Blue and white images from our home...

Baudelaire

2011-05-28T11:33:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite poems from one of my favorite books by Baudelaire, Les Fleurs Du Mal.
I think about this poem everytime I put on pink stockings...

I'm not sure this is the best English translation there is, I'm used to reading it in Danish...
Here's a link to the French version and a few more English translations...

The Martyr
(Drawing by an Unknown Master)

Amongst gilt fabrics, flasks of scent and wine,
Rich furniture, white marble, precious moulds.
Fine paintings, and rich, perfumed robes that shine
Swirled into sumptuous folds,

In a warm room, that like a hot-house stifles
With dangerous and fatal breath, where lie
Pale flowers in crystal tombs, exquisite trifles,
Exhaling their last sigh —

A headless corpse, cascading in a flood
Hot, living blood, that soaks, with crimson stain
A pillow slaked and sated with blood
As any field with rain.

Like those pale visions which the gloom aborts
Which fix us in a still, hypnotic stare,
The bead, tricked out with gems of sorts,
In its huge mass of hair,

Like a ranunculous beside the bed,
Rests on the table, empty of all thought.
From eyes revulsed, like twilight, seems to spread
A gaze that looks at naught.

Upon the bed the carcase, unabashed,
Shows, in complete abandon, without shift,
The secret splendour that, in life, it flashed
Superbly, Nature's gift.

A rosy stocking, freaked with clocks of gold,
Clings to one leg: a souvenir, it seems:
The garter, from twin diamonds, with the cold
Stare of a viper gleams.

The singular effect of solitude
And of a languorous portrait, with its eyes
Provocative as is its attitude,
Dark loves would advertise —

And guilty joys, with feasts of strange delight,
Full of infernal kisses, omens certain
To please the gloating angels of the Night
Who swim behind each curtain.

And yet to see her nimble strength, the risky
Swerve of the rounded shoulder, and its rake,
The tented haunch, the figure lithe and frisky,
Flexed like an angry snake,

You'd know that she was young.
Her soul affronted, Her senses stung with boredom — were they bayed
By packs of wandering, lost desires, and hunted,
And finally betrayed?

The vengeful man, whose lust you could not sate,
(In spite of much love) nor quench his fire —
Did he on your dead flesh then consummate
His monstrous, last desire?

Answer me, corpse impure! With fevered fist,
Grim visage, did he raise you up on high,
And, as your silver frosty teeth he kissed,
Bid you his last goodbye?

Far from inquiring magistrates that sneer,
Far from this world of raillery and riot,
Sleep peacefully, strange creature, on your bier,
Of mystery and quiet.

Your lover roams the world. Your deathless shape
Watches his sleep and hears each indrawn breath.
No more than you can he ever escape
From constancy till death!

— Roy Campbell, Poems of Baudelaire (New York: Pantheon Books, 1952)

Summer house

2011-05-28T06:05:00.000-07:00

A trip to the Summer house earlier this month... Summer weather in the Spring, bikini, sunblock, fishing, flowers, icecream, barbeque... ahhhh... Need more days like those...

Pink

2011-05-28T05:53:00.000-07:00

Flowers and blouse...

Dolce Vita

2011-05-05T04:04:00.000-07:00

Sorry I've been lacking but I've not been in the mood to sit down in front of the computer. I had a wonderful Easter with family and friends and beautiful Spring weather in fact we've had the warmest April in 8 years! So I've spent a lot of time enjoying the sun and the 20C/70F degrees!!! Just walking outside with no jacket, bare legs, sandals and Summer dresses -aahh the bliss.....
Also my sister came back from her 10 month journey to Thailand, Australia and New Zealand it felt so good to see her again and she totally surprised everyone by coming home 5 days earlier than what everybody had planned on. She woke up my husband and I early in the morning knocking on our door -best surprise ever!!
It's been a bit colder the last week so we've spent some time getting our apartment a bit more organised, my book collection, our albums, our Disney, Star Wars and other figures are now properly displayed (now we just need to fill the aquarium with some pretty fish) -but the heat is coming back this weekend so hopefully we can go to the Summerhouse.
Oh and I caught my first fish this year, a huuuge garfish, in fact it was the biggest one anyone caught that day, May 1st. It was a cold and windy day and I spilled a bit of fish blood on my cute flower shoes but it was so worth it;)

Here a few randoms of todays outfit (wearing Diors Dolce Vita lipstick hence the title..) etc. while I get into the rythem of blogging again...

..and a special welcome to my new readers and a thank you to all my readers for your patience:)

A family photo

2011-04-06T05:04:00.000-07:00

I found this photo of my grandma and grandpa and my father (striped shirt), uncle and aunt..
My grandmother, Ketty is my age in this photo and already her hair is grey.. My granddad looks so handsome with the tie and pibe:) -and I love the way he put his hand on my dad's shoulder...
It makes me long for Summer spend with my family.

Dame Elizabeth, gloves and a feature....

2011-03-23T13:39:00.000-07:00

I must admit the news brought a tear to my eye... Ohhh Dame Elizabeth! Thank you for all the work you did on this earth and your encredible beauty inside and out. May your sweet soul rest in peace.

On a lighter note... I won a give away! Nicole made some amazing gloves and I am so lucky to have won the red ones. Mary also won! Do check out her capelet..... swooon....

Some time ago I was asked to answer a questionaire on feminism and be a guest writer for the Superqueen. She always has so interesting features and I am very honored to be a small contributer.

The Cat's Meow

2011-03-22T14:45:00.000-07:00

While we're waiting....

Gloves and give away!

2011-03-08T07:33:00.000-08:00

I know I'm a bit late for the party but the sweet and talented Nicole from Fashion Forestry is giving away some killer gloves! Look!

Here are some of my favorite gloves for Spring...

Happy Valentine's Day!!!

2011-02-14T04:02:00.000-08:00

Anniversary!

2011-02-13T14:00:00.000-08:00

Today is our 3rd wedding anniversary!
These are the only photos I have from this day Feb 13th 3 years ago in Las Vegas.
We got married at the Tunnel of Love Drive Thru at The Little White Wedding Chapel...

Selling!

2011-02-10T03:39:00.000-08:00

I thought I would offer my dear readers to buy these items before I put them in my Etsy shop.
Comment and leave me your email if you want to know more.

The first is a gorgeous dress with matching jacket made by a famous Danish dressmaker Svend Michelsen. Approx. medium (If this fit me I wouldn't give it up!)
$85

A beautiful pair of Daniel Green bedroom slippers, black brocade with pom poms. Size 6.
$25

Cute 60's frilly bedjacket.

$15

Sweet lace peignoir robe. Spring green and white.
$15

Late 50's early 60's perfect kitten heels with gorgeous details, green and black size 6 1/2
$25

Metal flower brooch.
$8

Pink powder puff hat. (also avaiable in baby blue) Made by me. -See the amazingly wonderful Nicole wearing it here...
$40

Cherry belt/necktie. Dark pink wool pom poms. Made by me.
$35

Huge yellow feather fan plastic clip on earrings. (I have a large collection of these, I also wear them as dress clips..)
$35

Sugar me..

2011-02-07T08:24:00.000-08:00

I've been sick for almost a week now... Feeling a little better today but still a bit weak in the knees so all I could think of doing to make a post was to take a picture of my favorite sugar bowl.. (Not much effort.. I even stole the title from Lynsey de Paul...)
Here it is... My little lamb.

Friday Night Tease

2011-01-28T14:48:00.000-08:00

The Bazoom Girl, Jennie Lee!

Burlesque Queen of tassel twirling... Enjoy!

Bedjackets

2011-01-27T07:28:00.000-08:00

I was searching for Spring today... just a little glimpse, a feeling... There was nothing outside so I looked inside our home. My flowers! Ahhh...

..and then the sun came out! Halleluja!!!

I decided it was time to take my bedjackets out of the closet, they haven't seen the sun in Months -and they all look like flowers...

Much better now....

Sally Rand Tribute

2011-01-24T05:53:00.000-08:00

A couple of months ago the talented John Reardon was working as a guest tattoo artist at Le Fix Tattoo in Copenhagen and I was lucky to get an apointment...

This is the picture I brought...

..and this is the result...

I just recently found out that the lovely lady from the blog Vintage Seen is actually John's sweetheart.... Small world! She also has an Etsy shop Wildfell Hall Vintage -Go visit!

Kittens!

2011-01-17T12:18:00.000-08:00

Another favorite book..

Sneaky

2011-01-14T08:04:00.000-08:00

Here a sneak preview of some items that are on the way to my now empty Etsy shop...

Millinery

2011-01-14T04:40:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite Ebay finds from 2010... a DIY millinery book! I believe it was first published in 1944 but my version is from 1948... I cannot begin to tell you how much I love this book! It has so many great ideas, instructions and patterns -not to mention the beautiful illustrations...

Charmed I'm sure...

2011-01-12T08:30:00.000-08:00

One of the first jewelry pieces I ever owned.. (I guess that makes it vintage;) A silver charm bracelet that I wore a lot as a child and once in a while as an adult... The high heel shoes are the newest edition.. vintage 40's.. with bows!!!

Cornelis Vreeswijk

2011-01-11T12:31:00.000-08:00

Currently enjoying a documentary on Swedish folk singer Cornelis Vreeswijk...

Naughty Lady

2011-01-06T12:58:00.000-08:00

I finally found a place on the wall for our frisky lady... Warning! Full frontal nudity....

..all you need to do is pull the string....

His and hers

2011-01-06T12:50:00.000-08:00

Bedside tables.....

A quiet night at home

2011-01-03T04:20:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!

2010-12-30T09:04:00.000-08:00

I wish you all a very Happy New Year!!!! Now I'm off to buy some champagne..... See ya next year!!!

Mad me...

2010-12-28T11:49:00.000-08:00

I haven't watched more than a random half episode... People tell me on a daily basis to watch the show because I look like I fit right in...
But for now I've Mad Men'ed myself... maybe I'll watch the show someday....

Love Bird

2010-12-28T10:27:00.000-08:00

I miss our parakeet... We had her for almost 7 years but in April this year she got sick and died...
She was a big English parakeet -so cute and very social, loved sitting on my shoulder when I was walking around the house or taking a nap on my belly when I watched TV. She was snow white but she had a pink mineral stone she would rub against and thus she turned pink -we girls love a bit of rouge;)

I'm hoping that we can get a new bird sometime soon I miss having an animal and since cats and dogs aren't allowed where we live a parakeet is a very good alternative.

Happy Holidays!!!!

2010-12-23T06:45:00.000-08:00

I'm spending Christmas at my parents house and yesterday the weather was amazing so I went for a walk in the forest right next to their house...
It was so beautiful I must have taken a hundred photos -I'll share a few with you...

Today there is a massive snowstorm... Many thousands of people will not be able to travel and spend Christmas with their family and loved ones. I'm hoping my husband will be able join us today and that my husband and I can come back home tomorrow... That's the prize you pay for having a white Christmas I guess...
I wish you all a very merry Christmas!

Happy Birthday Betty!!!

2010-12-18T03:43:00.000-08:00

Today is Betty Grables birthday... She would have been 94.

Here she is looking like Christmas morning (I know I said the same thing last year -it's now officially a tradition..)

I'll celebrate her by wearing some gold tinsel and doing the shimmy..

I miss you Krispy Kremes

2010-12-15T12:45:00.000-08:00

It is impossible to find a decent doughnut in Denmark.. We don't have any doughnut shops or chains, the only place you find doughnuts are at SevenEleven and the bakers and they are nothing like my favorites from Krispy Kremes! I've had Halloween specials and Valentine specials but never any Christmas specials... -Look what I'm missing out on! I'm drooling....

Paper pin up

2010-12-15T04:56:00.000-08:00

I made this pin up for my husband for our 1 year anniversary... The traditional first year anniversary gift is paper so I thought this was a special and personal way to do it.

Oh Christmas tree......

2010-12-15T04:46:00.000-08:00

Here it is! Our Christmas tree! -It's been up since late November... We bought it in Las Vegas a little over a year ago and I love it! I wanted to buy a real tree as well since we have the space for it now but a decent size tree costs about $90 so the white plastic will have to do this year...

Cuddly

2010-12-02T07:42:00.000-08:00

Well I guess tea alone isn't enough to keep me warm but this photo of Brando with a kitten might do the trick...

Tea, please...

2010-12-02T07:32:00.000-08:00

I'm back! We finally got a stable and fast internet connection so I can keep up with all your wonderful blogs and even share a bit with you....
Winter has certainly arrived... We have lots of snow and temperatures below -15 Celcius/5 Fahrenheit at night and -3/25 during the day, add strong winds to that and everything is practically frozen solid.. including me! I was sick all last week and still feel a bit under the weather but I do drink a lot of tea with honey so I should be back on my feet soon.
We bought this darling Bambi teapot on our trip in September..

..and I'm dreaming about this gem I found on the net....

That's all for now... I'll be back soon with photos of our Christmas tree....

Come On-A My House

2010-11-06T06:05:00.000-07:00

We've finally moved into our new apartment -it's big and wonderful and I can't wait to get settled. I've unpacked the most necessary but we kinda still live in boxes, we don't have a TV and for most part no internet connection.... But I love it!!!! :) Hopefully later today I'll be able to put all my clothes back on hangers in the closet and I might even put my books on shelves.
I'll post pictures as soon as possible!

For now you can enjoy this song...

Chip 'n' Dale

2010-10-29T04:41:00.000-07:00

I met Chip 'n Dale at a parking lot by Red Rock...

At first they were checking me out....

Closer....

Then Chip came to me...

Dale was a bit shy but caved in, I guess I was irresistible...

-might have been the popcorn though..

Natures finest...

2010-10-28T06:07:00.000-07:00

I've never been good at watching series on TV. The only one I've ever watched every episode of was LOST. Everyone has been telling me to watch Mad Men but I never really got into it (not really fair since I've only watched one episode..) but now I've fallen for Boardwalk Empire...
I watched the first episode when I was on holiday in the States and I've been hooked ever since, I mean, what's not to love? -the roaring 20's, AMAZING costumes (both the ladies and the gents!), gansters and Steve Buscemi.....

Now there is one image in particular I cannot get out of my head -this one:

My favorite color for Fall and ermine!

Now sadly I have no money to spend on something as wonderful as vintage ermine fur right now -all I have is a 50's vintage ermine headband I found in San Diego and I do not have any golden, mustard velvet but I do have a marvelous shirt of that color. Guess it'll have to do for now.

Well once again fashion isn't really doing anything that nature hasn't already done, just look at this amazing Ermine Moth.... Perfect color combo!

Guess what's on my list for Christmas... Ermine scarves! or money to make my own...

Faire Frou Frou

2010-10-28T05:57:00.000-07:00

I finally got around to editing a few of the photos we took on our trip last month, I needed a break from putting everything in boxes (moving day is Sunday!!!)

When we went to LA I had the chance to visit the wonderful lingerie shop Faire Frou Frou and meet the darling Alison who runs it.

Alison does not only look gorgeous she's also sweet as pie... and her accents is to die for! (please excuse my sour expression I wasn't feeling to great -the blasted LA fog was giving me a cold and a sore throat..)

The shop is an absolute gem of a boudoir, I literally want every single thing in there. I'm afraid we didn't have any money to shop for (felt quite embarassed about that...) but they do have a webshop and I will surely go back next time! See her lovely blog here and make sure you visit the shop if you're in the area:)

I won!!!!!

2010-10-23T01:57:00.000-07:00

I won a give away! It's the first time I've ever won anything (other than a game of cards...) -and how lucky am I to win at a time where my funds are at an all time low....
The give away was hosted by one of my favorite blogs Fashion Forestry, who is hosting another give away right now for the curvy ladies, hurry, hurry!
The prize I won was $50 credit at the wonderful Etsy shop Bohemian Bisoux. If I had had more money to spend I would surely have bought much more..... Go take a look I'm sure you can find something.
This is what I chose:

The Marchesa

The Celestine

The Beatriz

Aren't they just divine?! She names all the items in her shop, so cute.
You can never have too many hats or too many frilly nightgowns, right?....
Thank you so much to the darling Nicole and lovely Lauren:)
-and now I'll pass my luck on to you!

Give away!!!!!!! Not mine..... even better!!!!

2010-10-11T13:19:00.000-07:00

The amazing Nicole from Fashion Forestry is hosting a wonderful give away!!! Look!!!!!!!!! If you don't already know Fashion Forestry or Bohemian Bisoux Vintage I suggest you hurry!!!!!!

Monday night

2010-10-11T12:34:00.000-07:00

Enjoying a pleasant Monday evening watching old cartoons and reading ghost stories..
My husband, daughter and I carved pumpkins yesterday (you can see them on my Twitter and Facebook profile -I'm too lazy to edit the photos for the blog right now....) and they look so pretty and eerie when they're lit outside, I'm really looking forward to Halloween this year...
That's all... Oh, wait...

-Watch this!

Friday Favorites

2010-10-08T06:22:00.000-07:00

Just a few random photos today for inspiration... and good news!

Work has been killer all week so I'm still trying to find the time to edit the photos we took on our trip and to take some more photos of the wonderful things I found there...
-and now for the best news in ages.. We're moving!!!! After 3 years of wanting and waiting we finally found a bigger apartment and we can move in on Nov. 1st.!!!! I better start packing.....

Now for the photos... and a song..

And the winner is.....

2010-10-04T00:39:00.000-07:00

Well, you're all winners in my book but alas in the give away there can only be one and the lucky lady is...
ina!

Congratulations doll! Please write your shipping info to my email: heidi-puppet@hotmail.com

I'm sorry that it took me a few extra days to find a winner but I was put out of the game by a vicious jet lag.. I had an amazing trip though and I'll do a post on it soon...

Greetings from...

2010-09-16T22:24:00.000-07:00

...The happiest place on earth!!!!

Just letting you know we're having a great time enjoying every sunny minute!
-and a small reminder not to miss the give away!

Kate Bush

2010-09-06T12:41:00.000-07:00

She's a legend and one of my all time favorites... Her voice has been with me ever since I was a little girl. I have all of her albums and I will never grow tired of her music -and she's stunning!

I miss my sis...

2010-09-06T11:29:00.000-07:00

My sister is in Australia right now -literally on the opposite side of the globe from Denmark (actually New Zealand is but close..) I miss her... She's having a great time getting ready to go to Brisbane after 3 weeks working at a hotel in Charleville... She'll be surfing and enjoying Spring soon...
Here we both are 25 years ago in my grandmas kitchen... (Yes, there was a time I wore a tracksuit..)

To be young again...

2010-09-06T11:19:00.000-07:00

This is me.. about 10 years ago... in my early twenties, my Harlow days, platinum hair and all...

Give away!!!!

2010-09-05T09:16:00.000-07:00

As promised here's a gift for you my darling followers as a small token of my gratitude....
I've tried to make a Danish theme..

Here you go!

A repro postcard with a lovely pin up made by Christel -an amazing Danish illustrator. She's very famous for her pin ups but she also made paper dolls and many book illustrations. This lady is from a pin up calendar she made in 1945, Miss August rolling in the hay..

Lovely repro paper doll, it's made by the Danish illustrator Gerda Vinding in the 1940's. I did a post on her. Sadly this was the only sheet I could find right now... I wanted to find and give the bridal sheet she won 2nd place for in an international paperdoll contest but it was nowhere to be found... See more of her wonderful designs here

Mermaid brooch with pearl (all faux, off course..) Because we (by we I mean Denmark..) are famous for the H.C. Andersen fairytale "The Little Mermaid" and there is also a very famous statue of her on Langelinie here in Copenhagen.. Well, technically she's in China right now but she'll come back to us soon, we lend her to China for their World Fair in Shanghai.. 'cause we don't mind lending out stuff and sharing.. but our tourists are understandably a bit disappointed when they see the empty spot...

Red and white swan brooches.. Plastic and rhinestone, Danish Design made in Denmark;) (from the 80's but a bit deco in their style...) The white swan is our national bird.. and the red swan and white swan together symbolises the two colors in our flag, Dannebrog.

Necklace with tiny white lovebird in a gilded cage made by me:) -a Danish person living in Denmark..

So all you have to do is comment to let me know that you are in the competition! Twit or blog for extra chances.... I will be drawing a random winner this time (it was too difficult to choose one last time....)

I will be drawing the winner when I get back from my vacation (have I told you I'm going on a looong awaited holiday?;) I'll be back on Sep. 29th so I will be drawing a winner on Oct.1st. That should give you plenty of time to enter.... and me a couple of days to get over my jet-lag...

I wish a were a rich girl so I could send each and everyone of you a gift;)
Good luck, everybody!

Give away.. tease...

2010-08-31T07:36:00.000-07:00

I made it! 100 followers! YAY! Thank you people!!! I'm still putting together the give away -I promise I'll hurry... and it'll be good!
I will put it up later this week -because in one week and a day I'll be flying to Las Vegas!!!
We will have our annual, much needed, vacation in the States, I can hardly wait!!! -and I'm still open to suggestions on what to do and see in the Las Vegas, Los Angeles, San Diego, SoCal area... I got a little advice here... Thank you so much but I'm open to more, please....

Wouldn't it be sweet to win the jackpot?! -or the Mega Bucks?
It's not very likely to happen though, especially since I'm not much of a gambler and seeing that my father in law, who lives in Vegas, tried winning for the last 30 years with nothing much to show I'll be spending my money on stuff that really counts like Cream Soda and Krispy Kremes;) ..and shoes!

Powder puff

2010-08-13T04:39:00.000-07:00

I've been busy making hats and fascinators again (remember these?) and I'm hoping they can go into my now empty Etsy shop sometime soon. Here's a sneak peek at one of my favorites -the powder puff, perfect for the boudoir and the burlesque stage... It comes in baby blue aswell and in several bow/ribbon combinations...
There will also be versions of the hat I made for this lovely lady which she's wearing in her blog header and on her Twitter wall paper:) and she did a post on it... and speaking of Twila Jean you might just want to take a minute, actually more like a second, and vote for her here so she can go to the Mad Men casting call....

(Sorry about the poor quality it was just a quick shot from the computer camera)

Like what you see?

2010-08-12T04:29:00.000-07:00

I decided to give the ol' blog a little makeover... I still don't know how to make my own header and design etc. but untill then this is it... I find it more calm and clean to look at...
So do you like what you see?

New brooch:)

2010-08-10T06:29:00.000-07:00

I just got this alligator shoulder brooch today, it's huge and I looove it!!!

I need!

2010-08-09T12:35:00.000-07:00

I read this post by the lovely Miss Casey today that made my fever rise...
As I mentioned earlier we've been saving to go to USA next month and therefore I've been dreaming of buying shoes, many shoes, more shoes!

I'm pretty sure I can't live without these:

Betty from Miss L

Lola from Miss L

Poetic License

Vivienne Westwood for Melissa

Ketty :) by the Danish brand Lola Ramona ...I actually like the name better than the design;)

Last year I went to the Remix store in LA and tried on the lovely Ritas I had been dreaming about sitting at home on the net... I decided to buy a pair of two toned caramel and cream spectator babydolls that I fell instantly in love with instead -so this time I'm hoping I can bring home a pair of white or red or maybe yellow Ritas... Who knows, maybe I'll end up buying a different pair again...

..and I'll keep dreaming about these.... by guess who...

Lolita

2010-08-05T09:06:00.000-07:00

I love the book and the movie!

The opening credits are amazing....

Young love....

2010-08-03T02:28:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to share a cute song from a Danish band from the 60's....
The Lollipos "I Will Stay"

...only 3 more followers to the give away... :D

Close...

2010-07-30T04:50:00.000-07:00

I'm getting close to a 100! -followers that is... Took me a while to get there but I'm still so thankful and happy that anyone would actually look at my posts yet alone follow me...

Soo I'm thinking about doing a give away when I hit the mark. Might be something I make, might be something from my collection of vintage pin up lithos or calenders, might be a little bit of everything, might be something I haven't found yet.... Hmmmm.... Stay tuned...

The wedding

2010-07-29T03:43:00.000-07:00

Here's more from the family album as promised...
My grandparents got married in 1956.

My granddad colored this photo himself;)
I have it in my bedroom in a frame I found a long time ago, it looks like it was made for it:)

Like all of her clothes Ketty had the wedding dress made especially for her. I love the collar and her half hat veil. Unfortunately she didn't keep any of it, she's not even sure what happened to it...

Her bouquet had red Roses, Lily of the valley, Myrtle and lace ribbons and she also had Myrtle on her veil. It must have been in fashion because my other grandmother had excatly the same, only she also had Baby's Breath in her bouquet.

Here they are returning from the church and photographer. I believe they had the wedding party at Ketty's parent's house...

Another of my granddads creations...

Next to my grandfather is his father who I never got to meet, I'm not sure where his mother is seated -they were divorced.

Opening the presents...

Wedding guests. The lady in the front with the gingham apron is Ketty's Mom -my great grandmother Helga (I actually had two great grandmothers called Helga -both were hairdressers..) she always had perfect pin curls. The guy on the left in uniform is Børge's brother Vern who's been living in Florida for years.

Going home.. Pretty coats and dresses in the background. They couldn't afford a honey moon so they just went back home to their appartment...

Next time, their children...

Pedersen

2010-07-27T05:07:00.000-07:00

In the early 1950's my grandma Ketty met this handsome fella...

My grandfather Børge -also known as Pedersen which was his last name (it used to be mine too..)
I went through the family photos and found an album I had never seen before...

His photos from when he was in the army, stationed in Germany in 1953 and 1954. He drew the frontpage himself... It says: "Memories from the Danish Commando in Germany" his soldier number and his last name... I looove the bow!

The first two photos was of this lovely lady...

I believe it's the wonderful Vera Ellen from "The Belle of New York" and it looks like he took the pictures at the movies;) sadly I never had the chance to ask him about this.. I love Vera Ellen too!

The rest of the photos (there are quite a few..) are of him and his soldier buddys, they look like they had a great time, smoking, drinking, figthing for fun etc.

He loved motorcycles, cars, trucks and everything in between and was a truckdriver for many years... He always kept his cars and other family members cars and/or bikes in the best condition possible, he repaired them (often with my dad and my uncle..) washed and shined them up and would always give you a kind reminder to keep your bike clean.. "It'll run smoother" he said;)
He was also a very dedicated smoker -cigarettes and pipe. He loved his garden, he had the greenest lawn in town and spend every second he could in the sunshine, he always had a great tan...

Here's a couple of him and I together when I was very little....

I love this one where I have my arm around him...

I miss him sooo much! We all do...

I'll post more later on of my grandparents wedding and their children....

Oh, I almost forgot here's to you Grandpa'!!! Enjoy..
Naughty but nice;)

The saddest girl in Copenhagen?

2010-07-26T11:10:00.000-07:00

Not me!!! But there's always room for a little Betty...
The first one is supposed to be set in Copenhagen... To a native it seems more German or Dutch, Wilhamenia is not really a common Danish name and I'm not sure about the costumes either -but the "Ja" and the "Nej" is close;)

Oh, and the shimmy I just looove the fringes! Enjoy:)

Birgitte Price

2010-07-25T06:12:00.000-07:00

Our next door neighbour is a man close to 70.. He was a ballroom dancer when he was younger and was often used as an extra in many Danish movies in the 50's and 60's. I love when he tells us stories from those days.. His favorite of all the lovely Danish actresses he worked with was Birgitte Price. She was very talented but most importantly a very nice person. I found very few photos of her on the web but there were a couple of videos on the tube... Enjoy!

Help wanted!

2010-07-24T02:52:00.000-07:00

Once again I turn to you lovely ladies for a bit of help..
My husband and I have been scrimping and saving and have finally managed to save up enough money to go to The States for 3 weeks this September, tickets bought, car rented now all I need is a bit of advice regarding things to see and vintage stores...
We will be visiting my father in law in Las Vegas for a week or so but we will also drive down to Los Angeles and San Diego (-and Disneyland off course..) We've been there quite a few times but have never really seen any exhibitions or museums and that sort. I'm considering the Hollywood museum hoping that there will be some costumes but I don't really know... Also I promised a lady here who has a vintage shop that mainly sells cocktail and evening dresses from the 50's, 60's and 70's that I would be on the look-out for dresses she could sell...
So whadda you think? Vintage shops with reasonable prices, does that even exist in that area? -and where does an old Hollywood lover (not that kind!) like me go? Or surprise me! There might be things there to see that I haven't considered yet...

Introducing Ketty...

2010-07-22T03:04:00.000-07:00

A while ago I made a promise to make a post about my beloved grandma Ketty, my muse...

I went home to visit my family for the weekend and had a chance to go through my grandmothers photo albums. My grandfather, her husband sadly passed away earlier this year and it felt really good to see their lives in pictures and hear their stories so I'll be posting much more about them later on, but for now we'll begin with Ketty....

This is the earliest picture I could find of her.. There she is in the bottom left side (with the butterfly..) with all of her friends, how cute is that! She was born in 1934 so I'm guessing this photo is from sometime in the mid to late 40's...

Here she is in the mid 50's doing a bit of modelling or as she would say mannequin work. I would totally wear that outfit today...
Sadly I look nothing like this little lady on the outside but on the inside we are quite alike.

This is my favorite! My grandfather had this pinned up when he was a soldier;)
He always said that she was the prettiest, best dressed little lady. She told me she had most of her clothes made for her, she wasn't a wealthy lady but she just couldn't find clothes in the shops that were exactly the way she wanted them -I feel the same way!

Here she is on my grandfathers Triumph Tiger 100 in the cutest bathing suit! She actually had a motorcycle licens and she and my grandfather went on roadtrips together.

Doing the dishes... She is a very proper lady she cannot leave her house before she has cleaned it all and has never gone to bed with dirty dishes waiting in the kitchen even after late night parties...

My grandfather had this in his wallet... Awww I cry....

I promise I'll be posting more.. next time it's grandpa's turn;)

The angel wore red...

2010-07-11T11:59:00.001-07:00

She certainly did! From gingham to satin and lace, lipstick, nail polish and scarves the lovely Ava was the woman in red.

Summer Holiday

2010-07-06T02:45:00.000-07:00

You might have guessed by now that Summer is my favorite time of year. In Denmark we are lucky to have one month a year with temperatures over 20 degress Celcius, (that's 68 Fahrenheit) so I use every opportunity I get to soak up the sun and store some heat for the long cold Fall and Winter.
Now this past weekend was perfect! My daughter and I went to the Summerhouse Friday afternoon and my husband joined us Saturday and we all went back late Sunday evening...

It had everything a Summer weekend should have... Sun!!! Heat!!! (90 fahrenheit!) Fleamarkets, icecream, fresh fruit bought on the farm, bike rides in the forest, bathing in the sea, BBQ, music, picking flowers, reading, fishing, getting tan-lines;) We did so much and yet it was so relaxing and it felt like we spend a whole week there (I wish!)
I even had time to snap a few photos...

Sweet little Summerhouse... You can see the roses and lavenders in front...

The book I read. Short stories written in the 40's by Danish authors..

Husband looking all shy and daughter stepped on a bug:)

Daughter and her beloved crocodile or is it an alligator? We couldn't quite figure that out..

My daughter took this... I'm usually the photographer so there are not many pictures of me in the family album...

Sunset fishing... Didn't catch anything this time though... but who cares when the weather is this amazing at 9.30pm!

Sunny Summer Sunday

2010-06-27T12:41:00.000-07:00

Today the weather was so beautiful! I had the day all to myself so I took my bike, some sweet snacks, a book of Scandinavian fairytales and found myself a sanctuary by the sea....

..and when I got home I hung this little lady up on my wall...

Mexican...

2010-06-16T03:53:00.000-07:00

The sun is out and so are my toes... It's finally warm enough for me to wear my Mexican tooled wedges!

I bought them half a year ago here (via Ebay) and they've been sitting in the closet impatienctly waiting...

They are very light and comfortable and I hope they are enduring too I'm pretty sure I'll have a hard time convincing my feet to wear anything else this summer. Only problem now is that I need a pair in every color...

I hope I'll find some next time I'm in California (hopefully this Fall), does anyone know where I can buy these "over there"?

Any wishes?

2010-06-12T08:14:00.001-07:00

Is there anything you, my dear readers and followers, would like to see on this blog? Anything you want me to show or feature? Your wish is my command....

Chapeaux

2010-06-12T04:30:00.000-07:00

I'm really enjoying these paintings by Jean Gabriel Domergue, especially the ones with the pretty hats...

Mouches

2010-06-11T03:29:00.000-07:00

The most common meaning of the French word "mouche" is fly but it also refers to the artificial beauty marks that embellished the faces of stylish French women of the 17th and 18th century.
The beauty mark served to accentuate the pale powdered complexions that were the vogue of the era and hide smallpox scars and other blemishes often caused by the use of mercury or lead based powder. These tiny mouches were crafted from silk, chiffon, taffeta or velvet and the position of the mark on the face held a particular significance. Providing a subtle hint to the mood and personality of the woman...

Mischievous….. on the lip
Flirtatious…….. near the lips
Discreet……….. on the lower lip
Provocative…… by the eyes
Dignified……… on the forehead
Amorous………. on the cheek
Playful…………. in the smile line
Kisser………….. at the corner of mouth
Impudent……… on the nose
Passionate……. on the eyelid
Generous……… above the breast

More than three was considered bad taste and were mostly used by the concubines and courtesans...

The use of rouge, became a class indicator as well. Good girls didn't, bad girls did. Prostitutes placed rouge on their lips and cheeks to mimic the effects of sexual arousal. (It is well known that the body undergoes a natural flush during arousal—the skin glows, the lips engorge with blood. Red lipstick and pink face powder imitated these natural effects.)

The well accessorized 18th century femmes would have a bôite á mouches in which to keep their beauty marks.
These two exsamples are divine!

I am naturally "generous" and "amorous";)

Ma Vie en Rose

2010-06-10T02:45:00.000-07:00

Been a while since I did a pink post. I do need some pink to brighten these rainy "Summer" days... This time it's all pink items found in my own home...

My beautiful geisha scarf..

My self made powderpuff pin corsage.. and lambswool cardigan...

The genius Pretty Things by Liz Goldwyn -I'll never get tired of looking at these costumes..

Off course I have some feathers on my dressing table...

Another favorite... The history of lingerie...

One of my Vargas gatefolds.. From 1942 (I cleaned it up a bit in photoshop..)

Pink satin shoes...

Pink bow and cheeks on baby planter without plants...

A few of my many pink nightgowns, bedjackets, peignoirs and lingerie..

Cute half hat with flowers and netting...

A flower for my hair..

Some of my earrings...

Pink fabrics from my larger than life to-do pile...

I have plenty of pink to fill more posts later on but now I better dig into the to-do pile...

Swinging...

2010-06-09T13:17:00.000-07:00

I've always loved this painting...

"The Swing" from 1766 by Jean-Honoré Fragonard.

This picture became an immediate success in it's time, not merely for its technical excellence, but for the scandal behind it. The young nobleman is not only getting an interesting view up the lady's skirt, but she is being pushed into this position by her priest-lover, shown in the back. Saucy!

I've never seen it in real life (I hope I will someday though, isn't it in London?) so I don't know which version is more acurate.

I like the flamboyant, opulent and refined aesthetic style of the 18th century...

The frilly layers of her pink dress, the white stockings, the flowers, her hat... and the way she kicks of her pretty little shoe!

Another painting by Fragonard that I love is this one:

The Love Letter 1769-1770 (I need a hat like that) She look so coquette!

I'm putting a new pink post together so stay tuned...

New cardi...

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

My mothers friend made this knitted cardigan for me for my birthday last month... I love it! It's my favorite color!
I wish I could knit something like this, alas I'm too impatient... -sewing is more my thing...

Royal tattoos...

2010-06-06T10:35:00.000-07:00

The late King Frederik IX of Denmark, the father of our Queen Margrethe II had quite a few tattoos from his millitary career...

You can see a few seconds of them in action here... I love the way he sucks his belly in;)

Look what I found!

2010-06-03T02:42:00.000-07:00

I went to the postoffice yesterday to pick up a package, the three ladies who work there (young and older..) always shower me with compliments which leaves me smiling and a little embarrassed... They're always interested in what I'm doing and where I'm going and have a hard time believing me when I say I'm just going to work.. They must think I lead a glamorous life;)
I like to make people smile and compliments are always nice and I do get a lot (if I do say so myself) on my hair, makeup and the way I dress and from all kinds of people too -young and old, men and women... but I must admit I don't always like all the attention... Is that rude? I always take the time to talk and I'm always positive but maybe I'm just too shy...

Anyway, here's what I picked up at the postoffice..

Gorgeus snakeskin shoes! They fit perfectly!!! I just love the shape of these.. peeptoe and that lovely arch or whatever you call it...

When I went back from work I stopped at a small thriftstore 'cause I saw this in the window..

A battery operated cocktail mixer! Never used! But I need a little help on this.. -there are some great recipes for cocktails written on the box and on the mixer itself but what the heck is a "jigger"?? I'm not a rutined cocktail mixer or drinker for that matter and all the recipes start with "use a jigger of.." or "2 jiggers" etc. Help, please!

I also found a couple of books.. An Alfred Hitchcock presents kinda collection of murderous short stories called:"Once upon a time there was a murder"...
And of course Boccaccio's "Decameron" -medieval erotic stories.. It's not the entire book though only the juiciest tales... All in all, perfect Summer readings...

Oh, and off course I found an apron... (I must have over 50 by now...) I just love the color combo of the lavender and black and the little lady with the parasol... and it matched my leopard print playsuit so well...

The Zoo

2010-06-01T11:11:00.000-07:00

I love the Zoo here in Copenhagen. I used to take my daughter there all the time when she was younger, because we lived really close by it was like going to the park. I havn't been there for a few years now so I'm looking forward to going back soon, hopefully the weather will start acting it's age.. err.. season. It's Summer! Come on sunshine!!
Here's a few of the posters they've had over the 150 years the "Zoologisk Have" has existed...
Back in the late 1800's the Zoo actually exhibited people from India and Africa amongst other places. They built camps showing "the wild natural invironments" where the people lived in tents or palmleaf huts showing the curious Scandinavians how they used their exotic tools, worked, cooked and ..well, lived... How weird is that! Not to mention politically incorrect...

50's airplanes

2010-05-28T04:42:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I was reading a book about vintage men's magazines and saw this gorgeus girl... (I love her gloves.. and shoes..)

Later I found these cute miniature airplanes from the 50's. I'm considering making them into brooches or maybe a necklace with little airplane charms.. What do you think?

Hello everybody!

2010-05-27T04:55:00.000-07:00

I know, I know it's been too long .. again...
But as usual I've been too busy doing everything besides blogging...
Not a long post today just an image of a lovely young burlesque dancer who passed away too soon, the older sister of burlesque legend Betty Rowland: Dian (Thelma) Rowland...

My own crown creations

2010-04-15T10:59:00.000-07:00

Here is a few of the hats and fascinators I've made during the years.. I've made many more for friends and family and I've sold a few as well -but these are mine.
Please excuse the poor quality photos they're from my Iphone, my regular camera isn't working:(

These are the ones I use the most, there are many more..
(Including a leopard one that will be featured in the next post...)

The newest and my favorite at the moment! A black base made from lightweight wool overlaid with black dotted tulle and adorned with yellow grosgain ribbon.

Black straw, cherry blossoms and vintage dotted veil...

Dotted tulle, rosy satin and pearl...

Made from quilted satin and mink tails. I wore this for Christmas last year.

The french maid...

I made this for Easter.

..me wearing it... Excuse the no make up face... also seeing myself without earrings makes me feel naked...

Cute as a button

2010-04-15T05:18:00.000-07:00

Just a quick post today I'm working on a big hat post so stay tuned...
In the mean time here are some of my favorite vintage sewing accessory finds.
They're still waiting for the perfect projects...

I just looove the wolf/fox heads! I imagine they would be great on a knitted cardigan... Alas I'm not much of a knitter so they will probably end on up a fitted peplum jacket...
As for the beaded swallow and the white bead 40's bows I have to find something very special.

Slowly....

2010-04-06T04:37:00.000-07:00

I'm getting there... Felt so uninspired... -but Spring has sprung and after a few days in the summerhouse and a happy family Easter I begin to feel the inspiration coming back...
Thank you for your patience and kind words -I've been keeping an eye on your blogs but I still have a lot of reading to do;)
Here I am behind the fan with my favorite earrings...

I'm still here...

2010-02-17T03:08:00.000-08:00

Sorry for not being there for such a long time.. It wasn't excatly what my New Years resolution said..
I havn't had the time or the energy, I've been so busy at work and on top of that came the news of my parents divorce! After 33 years my father decided to leave -to everyones surprise and confusion.. Naturally this affected everyone in my family deeply including my sister and I, eventhough were grown-ups it's still so strange...

Soon after the sad news my beloved grandfather had a fall and passed away only a few days later... He was only 77... This devastated us all... I went home to my family for a few days last week to attend the funeral and to show my support... We miss him so much!

Yesterday it all hit me I got sick, dizzy, nausea... My brain only works on half speed and I have problems concentrating... I'll try to give myself some more time to cry, grief, help out and heal and hopefully I'll be back soon...

Miss Cilly

2010-02-03T08:38:00.000-08:00

I'm such a busy little bee these days.. No time for anything but work, work, work...

Just wanted to show you this wonderful photo of Miss Cilly and her tiger from Circus Krone sometime in the 1930's....

Christmas gifts..

2010-01-26T03:33:00.000-08:00

As I told you in an earlier post, my mother-in-law Hanne gave me some pretty special gifts for Christmas.

She gave me tree bags..

One that belonged to a dear friend of her mother...
This gorgeus brown alligator/crocodile one.. (I have the perfect shoes to match -brown velvet and croc. with fringes...)

This little satin beaded darling that belonged to her grandmother.. (She wanted to give me this for my wedding but we got married in Vegas without anyone knowing... She was a bit dissapointed..)

Again I have the shoes to match (-a pair of 40's satin platforms probably wedding shoes looks like they've only been worn once great condition and original box...)

And my favorite that also belonged to her grandmother..
A grey lizard with head and eyes!

I have no shoes to match this darling but I use it anyway!

She also gave me some jewellery that belonged to her grandmother..

Pearls, faux off course, 6 rows with matching clip-ons (also ment as a wedding gift...)

Cherry amber and silver brooch which is probably my favorite..

Navy, white and yellow plastic clip-ons from the 50's 60's

She also gave me some hankerchiefs and a darling 30's 40's silk blouse that also belonged to her grandmother.
I will post pictures of it later on I simply have to make a new skirt that can do this gem justice.

She has always told me that I have the same taste in clothes, jewelry and lingerie as her grandmother . She always laughs when she comes to visit and my frilly, lace, pastel peignoirs and nightgowns are scattered all over our bedroom "Just like grandma'" she says..
She told me she is so happy to pass these wonderful items on to someone who truly appreciates them I feel some honored... I intent to take great care of these heirloms and hopefully pass them along to someone down the line...
Nothing's better than vintage with a history.

And the winner is....

2010-01-18T02:25:00.000-08:00

Thank you little darlings for entering my humble giveaway!

The best part was getting to know some new blogs to follow...
The worst part was choosing a winner...
But I will be doing this again! -and soon!

It was really hard to choose just one, especially because I feel that we all have a lot in common -making clothes, dressing up, music, dancing, chocolate and movies are all the things I do when I feel like treating myself a little.

When I get the blues I find that the best treatment of them all for me is to dance!
(-and off course music is much neded to dance...)
It gives me all the energy back I've lost in the big blue hole...

But now for the lucky gal...
I have choosen the lovely Yesterday Girl as the winner (I think it was the Andrew Sisters that really hit the spot;) "Christmas Island" was my favorite holiday tune this Christmas..)
Congratulations honey!

Please send your shipping information to my email: heidi-puppet@hotmail.com
-and I'll send you your price:)

I hope you'll all come back for the next giveaway....

Kitten tattoo

2010-01-14T06:53:00.000-08:00

A long time ago I wrote about getting a kitten tattoo, then I wrote that I got the kitten tattoo..
Now finally I got some (not very good) pictures to prove it...

This is the drawing I made to inspire the tattoo artist...

I was inspired by 50's childrens books especially Rand McNally's Little Elf books (in Danish they were called "Pixi" books) where sometimes one page would be in full colors and the other would be in pure grey tones with a touch of pink...
-and the shoe is a 40's babyblue satin peeptoe...

Here's the tattoo..

I like that the artist made it his own style and it's a bit cheekier as well, even though I think my kitten is cuter;)
The colors are a bit of in this photo and it looks really lopsided. It's on the inside of my upper left arm -hard to get a great photo of that when your the photographer...

Don't forget to enter the give away!!!

Winterblue giveaway!

2010-01-08T06:02:00.000-08:00

I'm proud to present my very first give-away! Trying to turn the winter blues into something good...
So speaking of blue.. light blue is one of my favorite colors whether it's periwinkle, robins egg, sky, baby, aqua.. you name it, I love it.
Therefore the giveaways theme is blue...

First here's some pictures to get you in the mood...

Happy Birthday to the King!

..and now for the prize...

A lovely little fascinator made (by me..) from new and vintage materials such as tulle, nylon and satin. It has a round base and comb attached to it and is sure to brighten even the darkest of days...

A pair of never worn vintage plastic clip on earrings. These beautiful bouquets of blue flowers with pearls in the center fill your ear with promises of spring.

A pair of new plastic bow hairclips with sweet little forget-me-nots in their center.

Rules to enter:

1. Be a follower of my blog -newcomers are off course more than welcome...
2. Link to this competition on your own blog and Twitter if possible...
3. Comment on this by telling what you do when you get the blues.. (It doesn't have to be a long answer..)

The winner will be announced Monday Jan. 18th...

Good luck!

A bird in the hand....

2010-01-07T08:36:00.000-08:00

Here's a vintage postcard I found today...

It says: "A bird in the hand is worth more than 10 on the roof" -which translates to: "A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush"....

Can't help but thinking of the song "Two little girls from Little Rock"

"Find a gentleman who is shy or bold,
or short or tall, or young or old..
as long as the guy's a millionaire!"

Come back tomorrow for the giveaway....