Ragtime: Vintage in Ottawa

Another quick post for you all before I have a quick nap and head off to the venue for our show tonight. Contrary to my plans of going to several shops in the city I only managed to go to one today. Partially in an effort to keep my money in my wallet! haha!

I went to Ragtime. It was a half hour walk from my hotel in downtown Ottawa and very easy to find (thank you Google Maps!).

I knew I was home as soon as I stepped inside. That familiar vintage shop smell hit me and I was in heaven! The shop is jam packed with stuff to look at. I felt overwhelmed! It reminded me so very much of our famous shop in Winnipeg where I used to work: Ragpickers. Ragtime even rents costumes! So, like Ragpickers, much of the delectable vintage was for rent only.

Nonetheless I did manage to find two special dresses. Here are the shots in the dressing room at Ragtime:

And here they are in my hotel room, you can see the true colours (anyone else start singing Cyndi Lauper just now? I did.) better in this photo:

I have so much more to say, but just don't have time at the moment. I missed my family so much today and am glad I go home in two day.

Lisa.xo

P.S. Did you watch the Royal Wedding this morning? I did! Kate looked lovely. Kinda like a modern Grace Kelly. *Sigh*

A Quick Hello from Ottawa

Hello Blog Friends!

Today officially marks the half-way point of my trip. The hotel is lovely, the theatre and it's staff are amazing. Ottawa is really beautiful! Downtown is littered with well kept Victorian houses, nestled inbetween all of the modern buildings! It's so amazing!

The only downside of my trip so far is the food poisoning I got two days ago. Today is my first morning and afternoon off which I was hoping to spend shopping for vintage, but I may just lay low and try to get better before the show tonight. We'll see how I feel in an hour or two.

Speaking of the show, we opened last night to a very warm and responsive audience. With my limited time I took this quick bathroom photo of my outfit (well, most of it!).

Scarf: Suzy Shear

Red Cardigan: Thrifted

Polka Dot Dress: Ricki's

Striped Belt: Thrifted

Red Velvet Purse: Thrifted

Lisa.xo

Travelling Wardrobes

As a teenager I was obssessed with magazine spreads that depicted co-ordinated wardrobes for travelling.

As an adult I relish the opportunity to put that obssession to good use.

As you may remember, I am flying to Ottawa tomorrow evening. I have spent many hours in the past few weeks pondering what I might bring with me to wear.
It takes very careful thought. Being a typical woman, my impulse is to pack every item and shoe in my wardrobe so I am properly prepared for any occasion.
Experience has taught me that careful planning can avoid over packing.

For this trip I've planned a cute wardrobe with a nautical theme.

As you can see I've not packed any vintage clothing, just jewelry. I tend not to bring it with me when I fly as I would be terribly heartbroken if my luggage got lost and on this particular trip my carry on luggage is full of work paraphernalia.

As you can see I've got many mix and match options available to me and everything co-ordinates beautifully.

Stay Tuned! I won't me MIA next week. I've got my laptop and camera in tow, a loose itinerary planned around work and I hope to post at least twice during my trip and I will definatly catch you up on all the good details missed once I'm home.

Lisa.xo

Family Photos 1: 1940's

Here is my first selection of photos from the enormous pile I received from my Mom a few weeks ago. I've decided to group the photos loosely by subject.

This group is all photos from the 40's.

In truth, I don't know who most of these people are. I do however enjoy real photos of people in real clothes from the 40's. Especially winter photos and the girl mixing patterns in the photo below! I thought you'd like them too.

I really love this photo of the diner waitresses.

This is my Great Aunt Louise. I think she looks so smart in this photo.

I hope you've enjoyed this first picture instalment. Stay Tuned for more!

Lisa.xo

Too Late for Valentine's Day

I left out one more thing I received from my Mom along with the photos the other day.

Vintage Valentines. New, never used, in the original packaging along with original envelopes.

They are just darling.
These are not my only vintage valentines. I have a small collection of homemade and used (I hate to use the word 'used' when refering to valentines. What would be better...given?) valentines. They are just as precious as these. I have the prettiest ones framed. I should show them to you too one day.

Lisa.xo

Hello, My name is Lisa and I'm a Shop-aholic

Yes, I've been at it again. Spring makes me shop. I do it every year without fail. The spree will die down by June. It always does...

I've bought some more fabulous dresses in the last few weeks. I can't wait to wear them!!

Notice me holding the back of the dress so it appears to fit me!

I bought this lovely 50's dress at Ruby Slipper. It's a little big at the moment. I'll have it taken in. I just couldn't resist the cute crosshatch gingham-like fabric and knife pleat skirt. Plus, it still has it's original matching belt!

I lucked out with this one and bought it at Value Village. It was by no means a deal at $20 and needssome dry-cleaning, but it fits and the fabric is just gorgeous! The photos do not do this fabric justice. I want to call it sharkskin as it is two toned gold and green, but I'm just not quite sure if it actually is. Nonetheless, this dress is stunning (Betty Draper anyone?) and I'm praying for a formal event in my future so I can wear it.

This is another VV find. Perfect for hot summer days, espadrilles and a jean jacket in the evening. Love the border print.

This lovely set is from Vintage Glory (cue angel choir! Aaahh!!) It's from the same estate as the dresses I showed you here. That woman and I are sartorial soul mates. She has great taste!! Can't wait to wear this dress. And the bolero will be so cute with jeans and a tee.

Two more, non dress items:

Lovely 60's/70's's does 20's cloche fedora. It's in great shape. I've already worn it out a few times.

And, 70's suede shoes. So not my style. Too awesome to leave at Value Village. They do fit me. Who knows. Maybe I'll wear them.

So there it is folks. More stuff in my closet. Maybe it's time for an intervention. Or to set up my own shop somewhere! Haha!

Lisa.xo

Family Photos

My great-great grandfather was an avid photographer. As a result, my family has a very large collection of family photos from the 1880's to 1940's. They are beautiful.

When my grandparents passed away my Mom inherited these pictures. And today she passed them on to me!!

I spent most of the afternoon pouring over them. The history, the outfits, the patina...they are incredible!

This is just some of the photos! There are more!

My great-great grandfather A.J. Cotton was instrumental in settling the Swan River Valley in Manitoba. There have been books written about him and if you're Canadian you'll know about the "Part of Our Heritage" commercials. Well there was one made about him. He was called the Wheat King. So neat.

The barn in the photo above is still standing. My family does not own the farm anymore, but it's still there!
EDIT: My Mom called me this morning and informed me that this farm *does* still belong to our family! My great Uncle John owns the land. It is another family barn that was built in 1921 (I have photos of it too!) that has been sold. So there you have it. Thanks Mom!

My plan is to scan some of my favorite photos and share them with you. Stay Tuned!

Lisa.xo

A Little Theatre Update

Vaudeville poster image found here.

The Moonlight Sonata of Beethovan Blatz is entering it's second week of performances. We've had sold out houses for every show so far (except opening, we were a few seats shy) and we've been blessed with fabulous audiences. It's very nice to be part of such a great production.

Today I start rehearsals for my next project. I'm stage managing for the Winnipeg Jewish Theatre who is presenting Michael Nathanson's Governor General Award nominated play Talk at The Prairie Scene Festival in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. It's a stunning play about two friends whose 26 year friendship is put to the test as they take sides about the Israli-Palestinian conflict.
So, this means I'm off to Ottawa, our nations capital, in two short weeks! I haven't been since I was small and don't remember it so well. I'm quite excited to do some touristy things (and try to find some vintage too!).

Thirdly, I just got hired yesterday by a local independant company called Kiss the Giraffe Productions for the Winnipeg Fringe Festival this summer. They are producing a local playwrights newest musical concoction: Illuminati 2: The Musical. These shows are usually sold out Fringe hits! Can't wait!
We start rehearsals 3 days after I get back from Ottawa! No rest for the wicked.


So that's what's coming down the pipeline in the near future...

Lisa.xo

Inspiration: Hummingbird Girls

I just spied this outfit over at Hummingbird Girls and knew it was perfect for the cool rainy weather we've been having.

I will definately be emulating this look very soon. So cute!

Happy Saturday!

Lisa.xo

Outfit: Opening Night for Theatre Projects

Last night was opening night for the show I've been working on. If you're in Winnipeg you should come see it! (click the link for info on the show)

Working backstage as an apprentice stage manager requires wearing all black clothing so you blend in with the black curtains. Kindof like being a stage ninja!

So I've tried to wear mostly black, but with a few brighter (red in this case) elements that I can switch out. I threw on a black tee-shirt and ballet flats when I got to the theatre.
Opening night also means a reception with food and drink after the performance, so dressing nice is always a requirement. It's also a great way to connect with people and maybe get more work!!

So this is what I wore yesterday:

50's Pearl and Rhinestone Bow Necklace: Ragpickers

Black Lace Cami & Red Polka Blouse: Smart Set

Red Cardigan: Thrifted

Black Highwaisted Shorts: Ruby Slipper

Red Ruffle Shoes: Red Carpet (TownShoes) 

Lisa.xo

Spectacular Sputnik

A while ago I posted a little To Do list for my dining room here. Well, I can cross off one major purchase from that list.

If you can't guess what it is from the title of this post well....I don't really know what to say.

We bought a Sputnik Chandelier!!

And not from Z Gallerie as I was anticipating. I found one here in Winnipeg at EQ3!

Here it is in all it's glory:

I feel the need to include few notes on these photos. The chandelier looks a little out of place at the moment due to the fact that we have not painted any of our furniture (check link above for more info on that). I personally think the chandelier is hung about 4 inches too high and it's too close to the far wall. We have plans to center it on the table and lower it a little when we're not so busy around here.

You may have also noticed I moved the bookcase from the side wall onto the feature wall. I like it there. I think it's got great impact in the room. Simpler, more streamine shelf arrangements are needed though. I'm trying. I'm usually a more is more kinda gal.

It's still a work in progress, but it's come a long way.

The dining room as we were painting

In livable condition, before we hung curtains. (See the rods in the corner?) 

And how it looks today.

What about you? Do you have any decorating projects in the works? Any big, exciting purchases?

Lisa.xo