Getting Spooktacular with Muffin Fixation

I've decided to join the lovely & creative Karen at Muffin Fixation and other hard working bloggers in getting Spooktacular by Halloween! Find the details at Muffin Fixation .

In honor of the upcoming holiday, and to remind me of my fashion goals, I've got a special treat for you from Etsy:

Vintage 1920s-1930s Halloween Dress from Vint Condition

"This dress is constructed from a semi-sheer light pumpkin orange fabric. The neckline shows some hand-stitching, but the majority of the dress is machine stitched. The skirt of dress is constructed with some 2" wide ruffles. The waist is belted in black waxed cotton to give it some stiffness. Adorning the bodice is a black cat creeping along. The sleeves each have a bat. The front of the skirt has 3 bats. The back bodice features a pumpkin and a bat while the skirt has 2 bats. These adornments were crudely cut from black fabric and tacked on. The dress slips on over the head."

Isn't it cute? I'd like to have this just as a sweet Halloween decoration.

More Vintage dress temptations from Etsy

Vintage 1940s black bombshell lace Wiggle dress from: Simplicity Is Bliss :

"This is a wonderful 1940s black cocktail wiggle dress. Short mini sleeves with a unique cut for the collar. The material is a blend of lace and texture. Cinched waist for a bombshell hour glass silhouette. There is a very unique gigantic side waist bow. Back metal zipper for closure."

50s Chiffon overlay party dress in hawaiian print from Redux Delux :

"50s fully lined dress in a teal and white Hawaiian print floral chiffon overlay. Gathered rouched front waist, metal side seam zipper. "

Vintage 1930s-1940s dress from Vintage Friends :

"The cafe au lait color cotton print has pale pink and cream flowers and leaves and features 2/3 length sleeves with openwork details, a v-neck with multiple layers of fabric, and soft gathers at the high waist.

Over the hips, front and back, is a diagonal pattern with cream trim, and an A-line skirt with front and back pleats to the hem. There are home-made ribbon like shoulder pads made from cotton fabric and cloth belt loops, but no belt."

Old Hollywood 1930s peach sheer garden party day dress from: Dolly Bird's Vintage :

"This dress...This 1930's long cut on the bias gown is a real original. I've never seen another one like it. Gorgeous puffed sleeves with a slit down the middle that create a super billowy appearance and create a capelet effect at the shoulders. Delicate ruching at the neck and shoulders, front and back and a sweet robins egg blue velvet ribbon detail at the neck. Ties around to the back of the neck with one button and a keyhole opening. Snaps up the center of the back. Beautiful flowers bloom out of the center front of the dress and more pale blue velvet ribbon drapes around delicately to create a belt that snaps in the back. This is one of the most ethereal and glamorous dresses i have ever come across, the colors, the details, the everything! I'm in love...so dreamy. This peach color is my favorite thing about the 20's and 30's. To die for!"

Vintage Dress Inspiration

Here is more vintage wardrobe inspiration. I can't quite fit into these dresses, but my time will come, and hopefully I'll find some things that are just as fabulous. I can almost wear my tulip feed sack house dress. It fits through the waist now, but the bust is still a bit of squeak. As the fabric is old, I don't want to push my luck!

First up is a vintage early 1950s SWEET TEA cocktail dress by ANDORA  from Simplicity is Bliss at Etsy.

"This is an outstanding early 1950s cocktail dress by ANDORA. The sweet pea pink color is so soft and lovely. The front is magnificent and filled with detail. The arms and part of the chest and back are a lovely sheer lace material. There is an incredible bow with rhinestones accented on it near the left bust. There are several detail darts under the bust. Cinched waist with a full skirt. The material is a silk taffeta blend. There is a side metal zipper for closure. The dress comes with its original belt."

VINTAGE 1940s Rayon Pink Diamond Print Dress from Vintage Betties also on Etsy.

"What an absolutely GORGEOUS dress this is!!! This is a FABULOUS vintage dress from the 1940s, made of a pink, white and aqua diamond print rayon fabric. The dress has no label, and appears to be handmade. Buttons are black with rhinestones - some of the rhinestones have been replaced, but this is not noticeable. All buttons are present. Belt loops are present, but the original belt is missing.
FABULOUS ruching/pleating at waist line.... creates BEAUTIFUL curves!"

Vintage 1950s pearl lace seashell cocktail dress from Simplicity is Bliss at Etsy.

"Vintage 1950s nude pink cocktail dress. The lace on this dress is incredible and is excellent condition. The color of the lace is a nude but there is a raw peachy pink silk lining underneath that makes this an beautiful eye catching dress. The top of the dress is double layered and the lace part is a like a caplet. There is a v-neck cut and incredible pearl and details around the trim. Side metal zipper for closure."

Vintage 1950s SULTRYSILVER Mad Men Era NOS Brocade Wiggle Dress from Fab Gabs .

"Love Mad Men era allure? Me too! This old store stock dress is marked a 22 1/2, with all its original tags attached... It is satin with wide matte rose brocade. It has short sleeves and an ultra flattering cut. Comes with its original self fabric belt, too! Made by "Landmark" of cotton and acetate. Original $22.99 back in the day - marked down to $11.88 on sale. (I love old prices!)"

Also from Fab Gabs, a "vintage 1950s Le Sophistique stunning red and black Peggy Hunt New Look dress with braided trim."

"It was only at the last minute that I found the designer tag that I KNEW this piece must have - and it is a Peggy Hunt. Everything about the piece screams designer quality. True California Couture. The material is a rich red rayon crepe, printed with inky black swirls. The braided trim at the collar and wide, turned cuffs is sophisticate - at the pockets, it is accented with dangle tassels that are really *just* the thing. It is FULLY lined with black acetate which helps give the dress structure. It buttons down the front, and is just perfect paired with a crinoline. A Fab Gabs favorite."

Tasty selections!

Inspirational people: My Man & Bitchcakes

 My husband!

 Two people really inspired me to try to make these lifestyle changes to improve my health and shape up my body: my husband, and another weight loss blogger, Ms. Bitchcakes.

My husband and I are well matched in most ways, including our physical attractiveness (to each other at least ;) and our larger sizes. But, my husband, Kristian, has recently lost 28 lbs. To me, his willpower seemed to come out of thin air. He started eating salads for dinner, oatmeal for lunch and things like nuts  or dry cereal for snacks. I pretty much stood back and watched, wary but proud. He's looking great!

The beautiful Sheryl from *Bitchcakes*

Then somehow, I'm not sure how, I stumbled across a link to *Bitchcakes*:a Neurotic Glamour Girl's Weight Watchers Experience and Fitness Adventures . Most likely if you're reading me, you already know her. We have never met, in fact, she has no idea who I am. But, her name is Sheryl, and she is a super inspiration. She recently weighed in at three lbs under her goal weight . Weeks ago, when I found her site, I was struck by her vintage style beauty, the fact that we're the same height, that she began at over 200 lbs and was always gorgeous, and that she started out with a vegetarian focus to her diet ( she is now a vegan). She records each of her weight watcher meetings, biking on her Hello Kitty cruiser, what she eats and much more. Her site is basically a gold mine if you need a little push in the right direction. I kept reading and reading her blog, and decided that if she can do such a smashing job of shaping up, then I can too!  XO, Sheryl. Keep writing!

Inspiration: Vintage Style Bathing Suits!

First up is this gorgeous Marilyn-inspired suit from Pin Up Girl Clothing. I pretty much love it! It's pink, shirred, skirted and has darling little rhinestone brooches beneath each strap. Hubba hubba.

How cute is this bloomer leg suit from Zelda Sweetwater? It's called Nina, and I think that it's darling. If only it were pink...

Like this one:

Also from Zelda Sweetwater, this is called Jane. I love the pale pink and the cute bodice!

Hey Sailor! Fables by Barrie Retro Matey One Piece Swimsuit  from Unique Vintage Too fun!

Sweet little Kitty from Swing Dance Shop  Yes, you can wear it in the water.

 

                                                                                                                                                                         Hi Ho Cherry-O! Pink Cherry Sheath from My Baby Jo

 

The last word in adorable nautical suiting from What Katie Did 

I'm going to keep these images in my head to help me reach my goals. How about you? You like?