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Victoria Dreamin’

Posted on August 3rd, 2009 in Style Sirens, We Heart Etsy, bohemian with 8 comments

From Sasha

When we started our Etsy store, I had no idea that we were becoming part of one of the most amazing online communities in the world. Of course, Etsy was a conscious choice– EBay, Amber and I agreed, seemed so impersonal, and the aesthetics were not appealing. Plus, we didn't like the intense pressure of "bidding" for an item– sensitive nervous systems here! Still, I never guessed that I would meet some of the neatest people on the planet by running an online clothing boutique!

Cerise is one of these especially wonderful people, and when she showed me these pics that she snapped of herself modeling the California Dream Girl Dress, I just had to ask her if I could play Interviewer. I suspected that this woman would have some good stuff to say, and *DANG* was I right! Cerise lives in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, and she is the true Spirit Daughter of the 60s/70s era. She was raised listening to her dad's mind-blowing record collection from his days in swinging London, when he used to run around with the likes of The Band and Sandie Shaw. Her joie de vivre and creativity spark from every word! Not to mention that she is the most awesome Violet Folklore model. If only she lived even a few times zones closer…

Sasha from Violet Folklore: If you could get in a time machine and travel to the era when your dress was made (late 60s/early 70s), where would you go and what would you do? Continue Reading... (852 words + 3 images, estimated 3:24 mins reading time)

This is a preview of Victoria Dreamin’. Read the full post (852 words + 3 images, estimated 3:24 mins reading time)

The Irrepressible Susie Prue

Posted on December 23rd, 2008 in Style Sirens, We Heart Etsy with 3 comments

From Sasha

I first discovered Susie Prue through Etsy– her avatar, featuring her perfectly crimped, 20s style waves, intrigued me to no end. I actually wrote and asked her how she did her hair! She was one of our early customers, which was extremely flattering as her taste was obviously impeccable. She has just opened her own store (hooray!) where she has collected the best in vintage clothing and added some outfits of her own design. It is hard to pigeonhole her original yet utterly timeless style– does "New Orleans Flapper Fairy Tale" give you an idea? You'll just have to check it out here. Meanwhile, a snowed-in Susie Prue took the time to indulge my Interviewer urge. I hope you have fun learning more about this very stylish and very talented woman… we could all take a few cues from the irrepressible Susie Prue!

Violet Folklore: You have such an amazing sense of style. Where did you get it? Who/what has influenced you?

Susie Prue: thank you so much! my grandmothers were huge influences on my sense of style. i was very lucky to grow up with both of them within 20 miles. my grandma p (who is still with us) had dress up clothes for us since we were at her house almost every week. my favorites were the pink and blue ruffled petticoats and a black early 60s dress with a circle skirt and a giant rhinestone buckle. i'd put all of them on at once and she'd let me sew sachet bags from quilting scraps and fresh lavender, and tell me stories about growing up in chicago. my grammie b grew up dirt poor in el paso with seven brothers and sisters. she and my grandpa made their own fortune, and in the 50s and 60s she treated herself to custom made dresses and gowns, almost all of which i now have. she also saved all her purses, gloves, hats, aprons, etc and i incorporate them into my daily attire. even as a teen, she would find ways to sew herself the most lovely outfits, an imitation of her silver screen idols. the pictures are amazing. she passed away from colon cancer a few years ago and i miss her terribly.

Violet Folklore: I know from reading your blog that you are a fan of classic cinema. For myself and for our readers who may want to explore the films of the 20s and 30s, where should we start?

Susie Prue: i had an uncle who was a movie buff and he got me into "the thin man" series, my all time favorite films. one look at myrna loy, even at age six, and i was smitten! the comedies drew me in when i was young and though my tastes have expanded, my favorites are still the ones that make me smile: katharine hepburn in "bringing up baby" and "the philadelphia story", louise brooks in "the show off", carole lombard in "hands across the table", and all the dames in "the women". they don't get dull regardless of how many times i watch them. for more serious fare, jean harlow leaves me stunned in "hells angels" and "the cabinet of dr caligari" has a hypnotic effect. sometimes when i watch that one, i have to remind myself to blink!

I Long For the Circus, by Susie Prue

Violet Folklore: How did you start sewing and designing clothes? Could you tell us a little about your creative process?

Susie Prue: i started designing clothes when i was about 15. i got into a vocational fashion design program with these incredible industrial machines and i could whip out a dress in a day! i wanted to learn to sew since i couldn't buy stuff like they showed on the paris runways, especially on a normal teenager's income. that's when i started upcycling my thrifted finds. my process is so surreal – once i pick up a garment or fabric, it takes control. i follow where it leads, with only a vague idea of what the finished product will be. even when i try to plan, things tend to pull me away from my original vision. i think i work better that way. the past 10 years (before my accident – i was hit in a crosswalk almost three years ago and my right ankle was irreparably shattered), my life was so planned and controlled. i had itineraries for my speaking engagements, presentations and training tours planned out six months ahead of time! i think this is the universe helping me to let go of the analytical side and re-engage with my artistic soul. i'm working on my purple and white chakras much more these days and that's a very good thing.

Pink Pixie Princess Dress, by Susie Prue

Violet Folklore: You work at the neatest place (Luna Park Cafe in Seattle)– could you tell us a little about Luna Park's history, and what it's like to be the lead hostess at such a venerable institution?

Susie Prue: luna park was seattle's version of coney island, built out from the duwamish head onto a gigantic boardwalk stretching into the puget sound. it ran from 1907 to 1913 boasting "the infant electrobator", the giant "shoot the chute" slides, a water park, and a carousel with over 200 animals! only the wooden pilings remain from the original structure. luna park cafe opened in 1989 and houses many of the original signs and memorabilia from the amusement park as well as gobs of other kitschy retro things that the owner, john bennett, has collected over the years. he used to repair and restore vintage jukeboxes and coin amusement rides so we have a 1958 seeburg jukebox and table jukes at every booth and the counter. we have a coin operated big band, "peppy the dancing clown", and the batmobile which is strong enough for adults to ride (although since it just jolts around, it's best to do it BEFORE eating). oh, we serve a bitchin' breakfast and the best milkshakes in seattle (hand dipped)! i am so proud to be a part of the cafe. it helped me to connect with the west seattle community in a much deeper way and really get to know my neighbors. i also have a strange connection with the aesthetic of the place, which our customers really love. i started there last march, thinking i'd just fill in for a few weeks until i got back into the "corporate" world. nearly ten months later, i can't imagine leaving for anything! the best part is i get to work mornings there and spend afternoons and evenings thrifting and sewing. and no one minds when i limp!

Susie Prue at Luna Park Cafe

Violet Folklore: Are you a Seattle native? What do you love the most about Seattle?

Susie Prue: i grew up in the seattle area but lived in portland, oregon from 1995 until 2004. The scenery has to be the best part about seattle – we get the mountains, the forests, the sound, and a bustling urban epicenter with pretty much anything you need. I also love that they named the light rail service "south lake union transit" without realizing that it's acronym was SLUT. come to seattle and ride the SLUT! classic seattle!

She makes everything look so good… Susie Prue in a Violet Folklore dress with her own awesome accessories!

Violet Folklore: We're so excited about the launch of your store. What is your vision for the New Year?

Susie Prue: hopefully lots and lots of sales, ha ha. my goal for the store is to have fun vintage and truly one of a kind creations that any girl can afford. i am hoping to create some themed lines, once my creative process is a bit more honed (a silent film theme will be the first), and get some of my decorative items (floral birdcages, feathered picture frames and my oh-so-adored "cupcake stands") into the store. the vintage will always be there since i'm a thrift store junkie and buy everything i like even when it has a 22" waist. i'm hoping it will be a true reflection of what's going on in my cluttered mind and heart – uniquely susie prue!

one more goal for my etsy store – i hope it continues to allow me to meet incredible people like you and amber. i'm so thrilled about the dear new friends i've been able to make, the lives and ambitions and stories i've become privy to. who knew there were so many kindred spirits out there? i feel so lucky to have stumbled into this little community. i want my store to enable me to be a more active part of it.

Thanks so much to Susie Prue for doing a seriously awesome interview! By the way, Susie also writes her own badass blog, which I read religiously. Check it out here… and meanwhile, happy holly days to all of you!

Permanent link to this post (1518 words + 7 images, estimated 6:04 mins reading time)

Myspace Style Sirens

Posted on December 18th, 2008 in Style Sirens, We Heart Etsy, myspace with 2 comments

From Sasha

I just love looking at photos. I'm the one who honestly wants to see every picture in your vacation album, every photo of your grandma, great aunt, and your second cousin's dog from 1945… I'm even compelled to buy pictures of strangers at flea markets and antique stores! It isn't too surprising, then, that I love looking at the pictures of our creative, fashion-savvy Myspace friends. Though I may never meet these ladies in person, they totally inspire me with their style and their sass. Here are my picks of the week for our Myspace Style Sirens!

Brianne, New Jersey

Violet Folklore: Who do you think has influenced your style the most?

Brianne: Nobody in particular really influenced my style, though me and my friend are both really into vintage clothing, so we go on hunts all over the place to find the best places to get the best vintage. I LOVE to watch old movies which probably has a lot to do with it also! I just use what I see and incorporate it into what I'm wearing.

Violet Folklore: What is the very favorite piece of vintage clothing that you own?

Brianne: 'My favorite piece of vintage clothing is….this is a hard one, hmm probably my red (who doesn't adore red!) 1980s vintage cocktail dress! I just love it and its nice and fancy, especially when I need to dress up :).

Violet Folklore: The holidays are coming up, obviously, and for a lot of us that means at least one big party. What would be your fantasy dress/outfit? Do not consider reality or your actual budget.

Brianne: Ah my fantasy outfit! I have no idea, I always see a million things that I love. I'd be something simple, something that I can move around in (you know to party :D). I'd need an awesome pair of high heel low cut boots. It's time for me to get new shoes. I would wear would probably be a fitted wine red dress, with black stockings.

Violet Folklore: That makes we think of another question that is sort of holiday themed, at least in MY life… do you ever wear (or have you ever worn) something to a family gathering that you don't really love, just to make your mom/dad/grandmother happy?

Brianne: Haha, luckily that never happened to me! I have gotten gifts with questionable clothing choices though…bad times. hahaha

Violet Folklore: Your favorite book/ movie/ album of this year?

Brianne: My favorite book this year was The Virgin Suicidesfor sure! I finished that less than two days! My favorite movie of the year and will always be Titanic. I hear that Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet are starring in another movie together! I'll be the first to watch that!The album that I have recently returned to listening to was Burn and Shiver by Azure Ray! It depends though, on what mood I'm in. Sometime I like sleepy tunes, and other times I need dance tunes and go cRaZyyY!

Veronika, Czech Republic

Violet Folklore: Who do you think has influenced your style the most?

Veronika: All girls and women from the past, especially from the 60s. I can't choose only one gal because I am inspired by all the "normal" girls my age from past; like Twiggy, Audrey Hepburn, Beatle girls,etc..

Violet Folklore: Favorite piece of vintage clothing that you own?

Veronika: I really like my grandmother's violet psychedelic dress from 1968. I wear it with knee-socks and flats or Mary Janes shoes. However I love all my vintage clothing because some pieces are very rare and I'm so glad I have them!

Violet Folklore: Fantasy holiday dress/outfit?

Veronika: Oh,what an interesting question! I'd choose long draggy silver or gold dress from 30s, Ginger Rogers had this one. Next I'd choose a dress from early sixties or late fifties with many shifts, it shouldbe in very very happy colour-maybe pink or light blue.

Violet Folklore: Did you ever wear something to a family gathering that you don't really love, just to make your mom/dad/grandmother happy?

Veronika: No,I really don't :) But my grandmother has a lot of pieces from the 80s and those things I really don't like because they absolutely don't suit me! But I didn't have wear them at all.

Violet Folklore: Your favorite book/ movie/ album of this year?

Veronika: I've read many, many books so it's too difficult to choose only one. I watched many movies too but I was really surprised about The Dark Knight. I listen mainly old music but one album really surprised me-The Age of the Understatement by The Last Shadow Puppets.

Ola, Poland

Violet Folklore: Who do you think has influenced your style the most?

Ola: I think there is no single person who has influenced my style. I like walking the street and watching people around me, and I also think the biggest influence on me has been music and movies– especially French Movies like "Breathless".

Violet Folklore: Favorite piece of vintage clothing that you own?

  Ola: It's not an easy question… but I think it would be my brown bag, which is very very big!

Violet Folklore: Did you ever wear something to a family gathering that you don't really love, just to make your mom/dad/grandmother happy?

  Ola: Yes of course, when I was younger my mother always told me that I had to look more girly, so when we used to go to my grandmother's house I had to wear the clothes which she chose. And trust me, they didn't look good.

Violet Folklore: Your favorite movie/album of this year?

Ola:  My favorite album of this year is for sure Maria Peszek "Maria-Awaria"– it's a Polish singer (very very very good)– and I have two favorite movies of this year: "Rezerwat" (Polish) and "Elegy" with Penelope.

Cheyenne, Oregon

Violet Folklore: Who do you think has influenced your style the most?

Cheyenne: i usually dress different from day to day, just depends on my mood, but it's always inspired by musicians. Right now i think Ladyhawke is the inspiration for a lot of my outfits.

Violet Folklore: Favorite piece of vintage clothing that you own?

Cheyenne: all my mom's silk scarves!

Violet Folklore: Fantasy holiday dress/outfit?

Cheyenne: oh i'm in love with any of betsy johnson's little party dresses. a slick audrey hepburn hairstyle with strappy black heels and call it good. when i go out to anything formal i like to keep is pretty classy, with just a little kick of pizazz.

Violet Folklore: Did you ever wear something to a family gathering that you don't really love, just to make your mom/dad/grandmother happy?

Cheyenne: when i was younger i would always have my mom pick out my outfits, but these days i just wear what i want. i like showing my family what i've grown into! even if it is a little too kooky for them! haha

Violet Folklore: Your favorite book/ movie/ album of this year?

Cheyenne: my favorite book is The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein. it's just so cute! As far as movies..probably The Dark Knight because heath ledger was just perfect in that, or Pineapple Express because i about died laughing. My favorite album of the year is probably Censored Colors by Portugal the Man.

Penny, California

Violet Folklore: Who do you think has influenced your style the most?

Penny: i would say my influence would have to be debbie harry

Violet Folklore: Favorite piece of vintage clothing that you own?

Penny: everything i own is vintage

Violet Folklore: Fantasy holiday dress/outfit?

Penny: i would dress up all in black heels scarf and nice burberry coat

Violet Folklore: Your favorite album of this year?

Penny: the 80s

Yana, Montreal/Canada

Check out Yana's awesome Etsy store, Supayana! She is a master of "upcycling" vintage clothes (taking fabric from vintage clothes and creating her own designs out of them), and she runs a 100% eco-friendly business!

Violet Folklore: Who do you think has influenced your style the most?

Yana: I think that living in NY exposed me to a lot of interesting fashion and ideas. In Montreal, I'm influenced by friends and people I see out and about in the city. People here definitely have a more vintage influenced style, which I really love.

Violet Folklore: Favorite piece of vintage clothing that you own?

Yana: This really adorable 1960's dress that I got at Magpie in Portland, Oregon. Everything about it is perfect- the fabric, the scalloped collar, the fit. Continue Reading... (1611 words + 6 images, estimated 6:27 mins reading time)

This is a preview of Myspace Style Sirens. Read the full post (1611 words + 6 images, estimated 6:27 mins reading time)

Violet Folklore Style Sirens- The Sassiest Girls In Our Myspace World

Posted on November 26th, 2008 in 60s, 70s, Style Sirens, bohemian, favorite pieces, mainstream fashion, music, myspace with 2 comments

From Sasha at Violet Folklore

Our friends on our Violet Folklore Myspace are the epitome of courageous style and unchained creativity. Check out some of the amazing ladies who have been rocking our world this week!!!

Nicole, East South of England

Nicole has the uncanny ability to create both style and amazing character in her photographs. In fact, sometimes she seems to live in an alternate universe! And can we talk about how awesome this outfit is, with the unlikely yet perfect pairing of a formal sweater/suit/tie top with utterly casual shorts and shoes?!?!?

Violet Folklore: How would you describe your style?

Nicole: I don't know to be honest. I like to be creative or I try it, haha :)

VF: What are your favorite kinds of vintage clothing?

Nicole: Vintage hats or shoes

VF: What are you listening to right now?

Nicole: Fall for you – Secondhand Serenade

Janet, Minnesota

With her unworldly blond tresses and fondness for the dreamiest of color palettes, one might wonder if Janet is in fact a land-locked mermaid! In this picture, Janet takes interior decorating to new levels…

Violet Folklore: How would you describe your style?

Janet: Different. Some people like it, some people don't. I don't even know what to say because it can be so different from one day to the next, haha. One day I could just be wearing my dad's old sweats with my mom's old sailor sweater, and the next day I might be wearing tights, a skirt and a sweater vest with another one of my mom's sweaters on top. But it must be good, because I was voted best dressed in my class 4 years ago! Hehe :)
VF: What's your favorite item of vintage clothing?

Janet: I love all of my mom's old jackets, vests, and sweaters. She was born in the 50's and we are also born Germany. So many of her clothes are a treasure to me, especially because they're so different and one-of-a-kind around where I live.
VF: What are you listening to right now?

Janet: Currently, Car Crash by Josh Rouse. My overall playlist at the moment is a mixture of the soundtracks from Grey's Anatomy, Garden State, Wicker Park, Juno, and Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist. (With a little Tokyo Police Club, Foxy Shazam, and Architecture in Helsinki thrown in of course!) Continue Reading... (1411 words + 8 images, estimated 5:39 mins reading time)

This is a preview of Violet Folklore Style Sirens- The Sassiest Girls In Our Myspace World. Read the full post (1411 words + 8 images, estimated 5:39 mins reading time)