Blobfest 2017

This past Saturday, we took a day trip to Phoenixville, PA to experience our first Blobfest!  This is the 18th year of the festival, celebrating the shooting of The Blob in Phoenixville (specifically, the famous blob attack in the theater) and surrounding locations.

Blobfest from Sabrina on Vimeo.

The landmark Colonial Theater was showing the Blob all day, along with other classics like House of Wax and It Came from Outer Space.

I wasn't really sure to expect from this, but the streets were packed and the theater crowd was hyped.  Every bad line-reading, every glimpse of the theater we were sitting in, and every small victory against the alien demanded shouting and cheering.  I've never seen a crowd so excited for a movie at 12 in the afternoon!

Drinks at Bluebird Distilling

On the street, there were local artists, vendors with bootleg DVDs of cheesy movies, VHS tapes, t-shirts, pillows... etc.  The late-night movie host of Cinema Insomnia, Mr. Lobo himself, was there.  (He personally gifted us pieces of Angoratex™ with which to calm your nerves during any Ed Wood movie viewing.)  People had rolled in with their hot rods and classic cars, and bands played all day so people could dance.
It was a really joyful celebration of that time an amorphous alien mass began to swallow townspeople whole and was defeated by Steve McQueen with a fire extinguisher.

Dress is vintage
Earrings by Bow & Crossbones
Vincent Price pin by Ghoul Gang

5 Keys for Instant Mid Century Style

Mid century design for the home has never truly gone out of style.  You just need to take a trip to your closest Ikea and you're sure to see how Scandinavian style influenced the homes of the 1950s and '60s.  Here are some basic things that are easy to include in your house for a touch of retro style.

1)  Streamlined furniture
Mid century modern couches, tables, and chairs usually have the trademark hairpin legs or narrow legs, which can be found on plenty of new designs, too!  DotAndBo has plenty of mid century modern inspired pieces at very reasonable prices.  If you have a piece that needs an extra something to complete the retro look, search online for hairpin legs or check out Ace hardware, which sells wooden table legs to add onto your own furniture.

2)  Atomic age motifs

A starburst clock or mirror is plenty to add some vintage flair to your living room.

From Life Magazine

3)  Geometric shapes

Along with the ubiquitous starburst, look for anything that has a pattern with clean lines.  A wall print or a cute sculpture can add a little more interest to the room.  Plus, if you're renting and can't paint, a big print on the wall (or even fabric hung from the walls) gives you a nice burst of color.

Wall art / Dot Bo mid century wall art / Photo poster

4)  A bright pop of color

Use colors that were popular at the time, but maybe with the brightness or saturation enhanced a little.

From KathyDavisAssociates.com

5)  Mixed textures

 Mixing things like patterned cushions, a shaggy rug, or gauzy curtains can add a lot of visual interest to a room.  Also, keep in mind that -- like now -- there were a plethora of influences on mid century design.  Scandinavian design was popular, as were Asian motifs.  So build on these aspects with your own style and taste, and then you'll have a unique and original room that will be just right for you.

• What's your favorite era for interior design?
• Any plans to update your living space soon?

A Case of the Blues

This is the first vintage find that I ever purchased, almost 8 years ago.  This dress is near and dear to me, despite the fact that I repeatedly tried to get rid of it or sell it!  I guess I just couldn't make it work before, but now with practice wearing vintage clothes, it's one of my favorites.  My talented mom basically took it apart and put it back together, replacing the weak seams and making it fit better on me, too.  (Me + sewing machine = disaster.  I call mom instead.)  Now this is one of my favorite party dresses, perfectly comfortable and flattering at the same time.

Dress: Vintage, thrifted

Shoes: Target

Bag: a gift from my mom

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.

 

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)