Verity Vintage Studio

Recent Event: Retro Outdoors Party

Recently my brother gave a lawn party & dance themed for three decades, from the 1940s-1960s. I wanted to share a few photos from the event, since we were lucky enough to attend.

The guests enjoyed mingling. Most folks who showed up in costume chose the 1940s or 1950s.

Myself and a dear friend chose 1940s, naturally. I wore my Easter dress - can you tell I'm in the 3rd trimester now? That skirt hides it pretty well!

 

There was much laughter and experimenting with 1940s model poses as well.

 

Aha - the military arrives!

 

There was lots of conversation and gorgeous music, chosen for a variety of dance steps and played by decade. And dancing, naturally. Dancing with Daddy is special! :-)

 

1940s sisters.

 

The evening ended with hand mixed ice cream sodas - delicious!

 

The soda making process was too fascinating for the little people.

 

Cheers! :-)

Walking Through the Wedding

After various delays, finally here are the proper photos from my wedding day! The snapshots I put up shortly after the wedding only captured a few glimpses of the day. Time to share all about the event, which is certainly one of the biggest days in my life. :-)

The sun came out bright and clear, after a torrent of rain the night before. Everything was soaked, but we'd still been able to do some of the setup the night before.

 

After working madly for hours wiping things off, setting the tables, bringing out the decorations, doing first aid on the bouquets, and food prep - the time drew close enough that it was time to start getting ready.

 

We may or may not have done some peeking out at the guests...

 

All sorts of pretty details were in readiness.

 

Being helped into my wedding dress. All those tiny buttons took a while to button up!

 

Mama helped me put on the Bride Pearls, and my veil...then I looked in the mirror and lo and behold, I was a bride!

 

Meanwhile in another part of the house, the guys were getting ready.

 

By this time guests were constantly arriving, and things were busy outside.

 

My talented bridesmaid Mikaela played such a beautiful prelude on my sister's harp.

 

We're almost ready to start! Everyone's waiting - the flower girl...

 

....the groomsmen...

 

...and the groom!

 

(I'm upstairs pretty impressed by the fact that I'm not really nervous, and enjoying the harp music!)

Time to seat the families...

 

After seating his mother, Dustin joined the pastor up front. It's time!

 

The bridesmaids descended to Canon in D played by the brass group.

 

Now everyone's waiting on me. And I'm just realizing that I must be a little nervous after all because my knees are trembling as I'm ready to start down the steps.

 

I joined my father at the bottom of the steps and he escorted me to the front where he transferred his authority to Dustin.

 

The bridal party then was seated, for a short opening message on the glory of marriage.

 

One amusing thing that happened was that flies and bees were very interested in our bouquets. I was protected by my veil like a mosquito netting and the other girls were envious! :-)

 

My father gave the main sermon, addressing part to Dustin and part to myself, detailing our responsibilities and roles toward each other and before God. Then he called up the bridal party for the exchange of vows.

 

I thought I would cry, but somehow I didn't. Now it was time to exchange rings.

 

And we were pronounced Man and Wife, in a blessed, eternal, and life-changing bond.

The kiss!

 

After that, there was a short blessing and benediction, then we were presented as Mr. and Mrs. Dustin Clay, and retired to the strains of Mendelssohn, which is the recessional I'd wanted ever since the time years ago when I first saw It's a Wonderful Life.

 

The receiving line.

 

Meanwhile the guests not in line visited and mingled, and the bridal party and families stayed close by for photos to follow.

 

Hey look! We're wearing wedding rings!

 

My sisters took turns manning the guest book.

 

Once everyone was through the receiving line, it was time for formal photos, which we kept as short as possible because the reception was waiting. 

With our parents...

 

With our families...

 

With the bridal party...

 

And of course, with each other!

 

The fall colors were so beautiful, and the yard had so many pretty spots.

 

It's going to be a real trial choosing which ones to frame!

 

Photos over, we headed back to the upper lawn to be presented and seated at the bridal table.

 

My brother (dapper, isn't he?) was the emcee, and he also had put together a playlist of fun favorite love songs of all types, from country to vintage big band, to play while we ate and visited.

 

Our servers were very capable and kept bringing us plates of yummy things!

 

We cut the cake, and Mama brought us the top tier to keep in the freezer for our first anniversary.

 

Things were winding down. We visited and hugged folks and signed the marriage certificate; one of my sisters collected my things from the house and put them in the getaway car, where we took more photos (shown in the earlier post)...

Then it was time to try not to cry as I hugged my family and mother goodbye. This time I was truly not nervous - just at peace - when I left, alone with my new husband...our whole lives ahead of us.

 

More than two months later, we're still on our honeymoon...and I'm still the most blessed bride in the world!

Dustin is the most considerate and kindest of husbands, and so perfect for me. I can never thank God enough for bringing us together in such a marvelous way.

 

Amen.

The Package

Today when the poor laden mail lady delivered all our packages, I received a lovely big envelope...from Chronically Vintage! My 2nd prize package from winning the photo contest held by Emily's Vintage Visions (see the 1st prize package from Wearing History, here). It had taken a while to arrive, since it was shipped from Canada, and then forwarded from our old address - I was a little surprised to see it turn up. And when I opened it, out came all these delicious little packages.

 

Everything was individually wrapped with the prettiest little ribbons and and mini white boxes and pink tissue paper. They were so pretty I hated to mess them up by unwrapping them! It was like Christmas-before-Christmas! I just left them piled on the table and started right in.

When everything was unwrapped, here's what I found:

 

Soooo many vintage goodies! Including these gloves, brand new and still with the old tags. The green bead necklace is another favorite, and the triangle mesh hairnet will definitely come in handy this winter!

 

I had so much fun exploring everything in the package, and will get a lot of use out of my favorite pieces. Thank you so much, Jessica!

Vintage Goodies

Imagine how thrilled I was that my outfit won first prize in Vintage Visions' fall photo contest! They had quite a list of goodies as prizes for the winner and runner up, and I didn't expect to win, so was I ever surprised! Today the first prize arrived, in the form of a lovely package from Lauren of Wearing History.

Brown paper packages, tied up with strings...these are a few of my favorite things...

(Sorry I didn't get a picture of how prettily it was wrapped. I tore into it too fast. :-)

 

It was so exciting and I had such fun going through everything that I wanted to share it with you.

Among other things, there were vintage sewing notions that I will definitely use, especially the metal zippers - hard to find here. And I can always use more bias tape and seam binding!

 

I don't know if I'll actually use these, but aren't they pretty? I just love vintage packaging.

 

I was especially delighted with this sewing booklet. So many handy tips and tricks, and since I sew with patterns from this era it's so nice to have a reference book to look up something I don't understand. 

 

There was a newspaper clipping inside it, with helpful information on skirt zippers and waistbands - a trouble spot for me. I look forward to reading it all carefully and hopefully improving my sewing skills.

 

I may use these snaps, but won't want to throw away the cards - aren't they pretty?

One of my favorites in the bundle is this super cute sewing machine needle threader.

 

And last but not least, 4 yards of this adorable scottie fabric (photographed right side up this time) which I chose with my store credit from Wearing History. Won't it make the perfect 1930s or 1940s housedress? I haven't decided which pattern I'll use yet but I know I'll find the right one and have lots of fun sewing it up and wearing it.

Remembering WWII - Event

Get prepared for a lengthy post with lots of pictures, folks!

Last weekend, Sep 25-26, a few of us spent a marvelous few days at the Remembering WWII reenactment event in Linden, TN.

 

This was an incredible small event put on by friends of ours and it was amazing. The whole small town pitched in, and it was the most interactive experience possible – for a few days, it was as close as we'll get to actually living in the 1940s.

 

Storefront windows in the square were decorated with vintage displays, and there were so many people in costume. Soldiers and ladies walked the streets by the dozens, and there were military vehicles, an encampment, a parade, WWII vets to meet and hear stories from, two big battle reenactments, a black and white war movie, and a USO show each night with Period songs and entertainment.

It was a treat to hear the lovely and talented Boyer sisters several times during the weekend!

 

Despite the fact that it was sticky and rainy most of the time, everyone enjoyed themselves thoroughly. It looked like a street fair! There were even WWII dressed MP's directing traffic at “checkpoints”.

Nazis.

 

Two newsboys chat, holding War is Declared papers.

 

Live big band music on Saturday provided by a great band, Merchants of Cool, gave a few folks an opportunity for a little informal swing dancing.

 

My little niece held by her soldier uncle, while we listen to a man tell of his experience as a 12 year old Jew in Lithuania and a concentration camp.

 

Window shopping, 1940s style.

 

A window shopper in training!

 

My Saturday outfit. (Details in an upcoming post - look for it next week.)

 

Each battle (these photos are from both battles) started out in occupied France, with a Nazis flag on the courthouse and Germans and civilians on the street.

 

The Cafe was a favorite spot.

 

A Nazis stops a French citizen to check her papers. Reenactors had passes, which if a German demanded and you didn't have, you were arrested for questioning.

 

 

At the opening shots, the civilians flee for shelter in the courthouse and the Nazis dash for cover.

 

 

A wounded Nazi gets some help.

 

Here come our boys!

 

Follows a very loud skirmish, with the American vehicles advancing, and the American soldiers clearing out each barricade as they come. The machine guns are spitting shells out, and most of the spectators have their ears covered.

 

The Americans are pushed back and the Germans take cover behind a hit American vehicle.

 

 

By this time there are wounded and dead from both sides on the street.

 

A writhing, screaming German soldier is dragged out of the way by his comrades.

 

The Nazi commander keeps his field glasses handy while he directs his men. (While standing in front of a memorial to the fallen from WWII!)

 

For a moment it looks like the Germans are winning, but wait! The Americans in an unexpected maneuver flank them behind the courthouse and the tide has turned.

"Let's go, boys!"

 

A wounded German abandons his machine gun and gets out a hand gun.

 

Very soon there are white flags of surrender from the Nazis.

 

The commander is captured, the prisoners rounded up, and the civilians released from the courthouse to a liberated city.

 

Amid loud cheers and applause from the spectators and soldiers alike, down comes the giant Nazis banner.

 

It was probably as realistic as most of us will experience, even without the shells and live ammunition and men really dying. I loved seeing the reactions of the spectators as they cheered the advancing Americans and gasped at the huge vehicles and guns. It brought history to life.

After the battle the soldiers and civilians mingle with the spectators again. People went to get food at the stands (Coke in glass bottles was a favorite), explore the encampment, or to check out the vendors.

 

 

The military and vintage vehicles are in big demand all day and are constantly giving rides, to spectators and reenactors alike.

 

Visiting veterans lining up for a photo shoot. These were the real soldiers of WWII – the normal young men who in the Providence of God had to face things we can't imagine – and some of their stories were incredible.

 

Some inevitable cute kid photos. Old cars and a niece and nephew in costume – how can I resist?

 

There was a short parade, too, led by the color guard in attendance. (It was great to see quite a few real military men there mingling with the reenactors.)

 

 

I don't know – maybe it's just me – but it just doesn't seem right that the vets should be given rides by the Nazis!

 

Here comes our guys' outfit!

 

My two brothers are center back and right.

 

Watching the parade.

 

In the encampment.

 

Elizabeth sees her Daddy coming.

 

 

Some of the extremely hardworking staff for the event. This event would not have happened without the two lovely young ladies on the right.

 

The color guard presented the flag; the names of the recently fallen from Linden were read, and Taps played.

 

The evening ended with a formal-dress dinner to live big band music, and another USO show. It got rained out, but there was still an impressive display of fireworks at the very end and everyone walked back through the puddle-soaked streets in their limp evening wear, talking and laughing and reluctant for it to be over. (Unfortunately this is the only photo of me in my new 1940s cocktail dress from that evening.)

 

Most folks who didn't know what to expect at the event were blown away by the attention to detail on so many layers, the amount of people in costume because they wanted to be, and the many talents of the reenactors and performers. 

The next day after an open air church service there was a clean up crew working in town, loading up the barricades and sandbags and benches, dismantling the Cafe. But one highlight for us after church was hearing the story of Art Staymates, a humble God-fearing man who was called Lucky after he lived through his D-Day landing and the Battle of the Bulge, and who guarded high-ranking Nazis officials, including Field-Marshal Goering, during the Nuremberg Trials. We got to meet him, which was a deep honor.

 

Which reminded us all of the reason for having or attending this event in the first place. Not so we can have fun getting dressed up or playing with big boy toys, but to honor the heroes, walk as much as we can in their footsteps, know why they fought and what was worth fighting for – to make history come alive for us their grandchildren. So we never forget.

 

 

 

For more photos from another perspective, including one of me and my brother dancing, check out the Boyer sisters' lovely blog post about the event here! 

Find the Remembering WWII Facebook page here with lots of info and pictures.

Attending a Car Show - 1950s Style

One of our local small towns in our new home state of Idaho is Emmett, so far my favorite town ever. It's the right size - not too large or too small - and so friendly. The main square has colorful false front buildings, like all western towns should have. One of their big yearly events is the Show 'n' Shine car show held in July. Of course we had to go!

 

And of course we girls couldn't resist the chance to dress up 1950s in order to pose with some of the cars. 

 

My two sisters attended in full-skirted 1950s outfits - one homemade, one vintage from 1958. So I decided to make a dress with the opposite silhouette of the era to diversify things a bit.

 

It was a "wearable muslin" and turned out very well, though I will change a few things when I make it again.

 

I liked it very much for a slender style of dress - not too tight, but tailored - with details like the hip gathers and yoke, the faux bolero, and the pleated neckline. I actually added two more pleats to raise the neckline, and was pleased with how well the change blended in.

 

I want to make it again in some stashed charcoal linen, with embroidery on the pleats, hip yoke, and sleeves, to wear with pearls for a classic 1950s dressy outfit.

 

I had a hard time deciding what to pair with it, but after studying vintage pattern illustrations to make sure that a bag and shoes could match, while contrasting with the hat and gloves, I ended up pairing it with a white vintage hat and cut-out gloves, a chunky 1950s necklace, and a non-vintage but vintage style "hatbox" purse that also had some lavender in it, and the brown of the bag tied in with my vintage heels.

 

We got a lot of compliments, especially from older folks who remember when everyone dressed like this.

 

It was a beautiful day - sunny and breezy and not too hot. There were around 1,000 cars and tons of people, but it was pleasant to stroll and comment and gasp. We left on overload - too much gorgeousness! 

 

The mid-1950s is one of my favorite eras for cars, especially when it's a Chevy Bel-Air. But then I'm a sucker for two-tone cars of any make. And to my brother's frustration, I care nothing for the internals as long as it's gorgeous on the outside!

 

If I use it for a photo prop, could buying an old car be a business investment?? :-)

 

Some of them seated 4 on sofa-sized seats and were bigger than our 12 passenger van! I would not want to try parallel parking in some of these.

 

This one was for sale! We already have a long to-buy list of various old automobiles for when our ship comes in. This is Elsie, the younger sister, whom I am influencing in style, in case you can't tell. She recently started sewing and planned and made her own outfit, from some of my patterns, with only a little help. Didn't she do a good job?

 

When we have a ranch we have to have a ranch truck like one of these, right?

 

 I like this candid shot - I have no idea what we were talking about! But it also demonstrates the contrast in 1950s styles. And the primary colors in the background are kind of fun.

 

So many pretty details...car designers back then were anything but utilitarian. Why, oh why, can't they make 'em like this anymore?

  

 

The crowning moment was when we were admiring this beautiful 1954 Buick Skylark - one of only 850 made, and less than 100 left. Just my taste in color scheme, too!

 

Then a very kind gentleman opened the door and said, "Take pictures of her sitting in it. Want to sit in it?"

 

Did I!

 

Couldn't I please be transported to the 1950s for a leetle bit?

 

*Sigh!*

The day ended with an evening cruise where all the cars took a spin (or several) around the block. All those old engines throbbing, and so many beautiful cars in a row! Meanwhile the sun mellowed into evening light, shadows lengthened, and another perfect Idaho summer day drew to a close.

 

After the cruise the cars would scatter back to their homes all over several states, but a lot of them live close by! We never go to town without seeing a few old cars parked or being driven around. Someday we hope to be among them. But meanwhile we saw our fill for one day, and went home happy and just steeped in Americana.

 

 

Photo credit for this post goes to my 12-year-old brother, Bobby!