Nighttime Fiction

The lights, the smoke, the grime … the city itself seemed alive that day. I had little to go on this time... but my insider did manage to find something interesting. The clattering typewriter of a popular pulp writer. Oh, and also Jack Smith got done in. The murder took place just a few hours ago. Nothing to go on but a photo found at the crime scene.  No suspects as of yet. “Guess I shoulda retired when I had the chance,” I sighed.

 Via the Film Noir Monologue Generator, with some finishing touches.

Quilted and Cozy

Now that the colors of fall have faded and wintry weather is ultimately upon us here in the Mid-Atlantic region, I really want nothing else than to stay inside and drink tea.  Before it was the norm to put on some sweatpants and a hoodie to keep warm, ladies would wear house coats over their lingerie or PJs while getting ready for the day or winding down at night.  I decided to start looking for a nice and comfy housecoat so that even if I can't kick my yoga pants habit, I can at least look somewhat put together at home.

I recently found an excellent vintage house coat, and there is nothing like it for keeping you toasty and glamorous around the house.  This one is reversible, with a quilted royal blue side and a green gingham pattern on the other.  This is just the thing for the season and I'm happy it's getting a new lease on life.

 

Suited for Fall

 Hello folks!  I hope this autumn is treating you all well so far.  Though the weather has gotten warmer this week, we have a wonderful view of changing leaves and fall colors.  Just in time for fall, I happened to find this awesome vintage suit at a local vintage shop (more on that soon, I promise!).  I also just heard about the Fall Photo Contest at Emily's Vintage Visions, and I immediately knew that this suit would fit in wonderfully with the theme.  

I paired the suit with a red blouse, vintage pearl brooch and earrings, and some department store t-straps.  I also found a fedora at a local overstock store which adds a little sporty, outdoorsy touch to the outfit (and for a deal, too!).

You should really check out the contest; it looks to have some great entries so far and it's being judged in part by the lovely Jessica from Chronically Vintage.  I'm sure the entries will give us lots of inspiration for the next few months.

Suit: Vintage, thrifted (the brand is Jaunty Juniors)

Faux-fur collar: Target

• Have you come across any new favorite items to wear this fall?
• How are you channeling your own style into the newest fashions for the year?
• I'm starting to think about how on earth I'm going to keep warm in my vintage as the weather gets cold.   Any tips or ideas?
  

Collegiate Style

Happy October!  It's my favorite month of the year, since it's officially fall and the weather is growing cooler and clearer.  Autumn also means sweaters, hot tea, plaid, and nice rainy days.  This year I'm taking style inspiration from the preppy and bright college girls of the 1930s and '40s, who always managed to put their own twist on popular fashions.  Here are some photos I found in Life magazines over the years that highlight their unique and playful sense of style.

 

Seaside

This year on our annual beach trip, we spent a good deal of time lounging around in the house.  But we did spend two proper days at the beach, where I could read, swim, jump in the waves, and get my inevitable annual sunburn.

My sister in-law, Naomi, is a super-talented professional photographer.  She brought her camera along and did some shots of myself and Doc.  I really encourage you to check out her online portfolio; she takes incredible photos.

Photos by Naomi at NaomiSheress.com

Thanks to Doc and Sadie for holding the lights and being generally awesome and patient.

Bathing suit by Esther Williams (via ModCloth)

The Sound of a Story

Hello, all!  Today, I'm sharing one of my favorite pastimes while cooking, cleaning, or just bumbling round the house: radio dramas!

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Radio dramas were a prime source of entertainment before television, and many shows ran for years.  There is an absolute treasure trove of these programs available online, at websites such as Old Time Radio Theater, and many of them are available to download as podcasts to your computer or iPod.

Probably the most famous radio play of all, Orson Welles' adaptation of War of the Worlds, is available to listen to online in many places (here's just one of many).  The broadcast which incited mass hysteria may seem a bit quaint now, but it still features great effects and an interesting monologue that I wasn't expecting.

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My favorite program so far is the long running mystery and horror series, 'Suspense' (!).  It featured many guest stars over the years (Peter Lorre, Cary Grant, Orson Welles, Lucille Ball, etc.) and usually featured a twist ending.  This radio archive has many seasons available to stream for free, and other sites feature logs of the guest stars and plots, so you won't have to spend all day hunting for that Cary Grant episode (which is called A Country Road, by the way, and was quite good!)

You can find many more shows to listen to here, and each episode usually only runs about 30 minutes.  So, next time you're busy doing the washing up, or relaxing with a cup of tea, turn on a radio drama.  It's the perfect way to experience a classic form of storytelling.

Listen to...

• The Internet Archive: Old Time Radio
• Suspense
• War of the Worlds
• Philo Vance detective stories
• The Molle Mystery Theatre
• Radio Lovers
• Old Time Radio Network Library

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Do you have a favorite radio drama or play?  Let me know in the comments!

Pink Preview

A full outfit post will come soon, but I just wanted to show a few photos of this lovely dress.  My sister in-law found it on eBay and gifted it to me, and I'm dying for an opportunity to wear it.  (Although, I must admit that it fits better with an empty stomach...)

It's a gorgeous satiny 1930s-40s style,with a mermaid-style skirt and a draped top.  I'm assuming it's vintage repro or something handmade.

Someone, quick, throw a party so I can wear this!  :)