I just wanted to give all my followers a heads-up of an upcoming review that I will be doing on Bad Idea T-shirts, where you will be able to read my review on their t-shirt line. Spread the word for your friends to follow Vintage Loving Mom and stay tuned for more details!
XOXO, Crystal
Monday, February 28, 2011
My weekend fun: a rollerderby match!
Our weekend was centered around our first-ever roller derby match! We had the pleasure of seeing the Little City Roller Girls match up against the Rocktown Rollers.
For those of you who aren't familiar with roller derby, (and I am one!), the Little City Roller Girls is a flat-track roller derby team that was formed in 2007 in the Tri-Cities, TN area. My family and I had such a fun time at the All's Fair in Love and Derby match this past Saturday night. It was much more fast-paced than I thought it would be and we can't wait to go back and watch another match soon! Even though the LCRG didn't win this match, I'm sure they will win the next! For those of you who would like to read more information on the Little City Roller Girls, please click here.
The Little City Roller Girls battling it out with their opposing
team, the Rocktown Rollers
Me all dressed up for the night!
My son, Gage, at the match
My husband, Preston, at the match
Until next time!
Crystal
For those of you who aren't familiar with roller derby, (and I am one!), the Little City Roller Girls is a flat-track roller derby team that was formed in 2007 in the Tri-Cities, TN area. My family and I had such a fun time at the All's Fair in Love and Derby match this past Saturday night. It was much more fast-paced than I thought it would be and we can't wait to go back and watch another match soon! Even though the LCRG didn't win this match, I'm sure they will win the next! For those of you who would like to read more information on the Little City Roller Girls, please click here.
The Little City Roller Girls battling it out with their opposing
team, the Rocktown Rollers
Me all dressed up for the night!
My son, Gage, at the match
My husband, Preston, at the match
Until next time!
Crystal
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Sakroots Artist Circle Slim Belt Bag available at The Sak for only $34
Belt it. Fashion meets function with the Sakroots artist circle slim belt bag, which is now available at The Sak for a special web price of only $34. You can shop in the gallery of artist prints for your favorite belt bag, available in a variety of unique prints. You can purchase the belt bag at The Sak by clicking here.
Also, be sure to follow The Sak on Facebook and Twitter.
Please be sure to tell The Sak that you were referred by The Vintage Loving Mom.
Also, be sure to follow The Sak on Facebook and Twitter.
Please be sure to tell The Sak that you were referred by The Vintage Loving Mom.
Elliott Lucca's Millana Tote Available for Under $200
For today only, Thursday, February 24, 2011, the Millana Tote is available at Elliott Lucca for only $198, which is regularly priced at $268 (that's a savings of over 26% off the retail price)!
The Millana tote is for everyday luxury. Woven leather with a hint of glam. The tote can be purchased on the Elliott Lucca site by clicking here.
Also, be sure to follow Elliott Lucca on Facebook and Twitter.
Please be sure to tell Elliott Lucca that you were referred by The Vintage Loving Mom!
The Millana tote from Elliott Lucca
*Image used courtesy of Elliott Lucca
The Millana tote is for everyday luxury. Woven leather with a hint of glam. The tote can be purchased on the Elliott Lucca site by clicking here.
Also, be sure to follow Elliott Lucca on Facebook and Twitter.
Please be sure to tell Elliott Lucca that you were referred by The Vintage Loving Mom!
The Millana tote from Elliott Lucca
*Image used courtesy of Elliott Lucca
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Boots No. 7 Stay Perfect Lipstick Review
As promised, here is my review of the Boots No. 7 Stay Perfect lipstick line, which I purchased in the color Cherry. The lipstick is a hypoallergenic formula that is offered in fourteen different shades, ranging from light nudes, to browns, to pinks, to reds. The average retail price for this lipstick is around $9.99 (US dollars). According to the Boots No. 7 site, you can purchase the Stay Perfect lipstick in person and online at Target or online at Drugstore.com.
The lipstick comes in a handy sized tube that looks pretty chic to me! I was pleasantly surprised at the creaminess and velvet feel of the lipstick. I apply straight to my lips, but you can also use a lip brush for a more even application if you desire. I applied the Cherry lipstick first thing in the morning before heading to work, and it wore well the whole day. I like the fact that it felt moisturizing on my lips, but not sticky or too thick. I only had to apply minor touch ups after eating, and I saw no bleeding. If you are looking for another quality standard red lipstick to add to your daily favorites, give Boots No. 7 in Cherry a try. I have found yet another new favorite red lipstick!
Sincerely, Crystal
Boots No. 7 Stay Perfect Lipstick in Cherry
End result: another new favorite red lipstick!
* I have, in no way, been paid or endorsed by Boots No. 7, nor asked to do a review for their product line. This review is simply my own opinion of the product.
The lipstick comes in a handy sized tube that looks pretty chic to me! I was pleasantly surprised at the creaminess and velvet feel of the lipstick. I apply straight to my lips, but you can also use a lip brush for a more even application if you desire. I applied the Cherry lipstick first thing in the morning before heading to work, and it wore well the whole day. I like the fact that it felt moisturizing on my lips, but not sticky or too thick. I only had to apply minor touch ups after eating, and I saw no bleeding. If you are looking for another quality standard red lipstick to add to your daily favorites, give Boots No. 7 in Cherry a try. I have found yet another new favorite red lipstick!
Sincerely, Crystal
Boots No. 7 Stay Perfect Lipstick in Cherry
End result: another new favorite red lipstick!
* I have, in no way, been paid or endorsed by Boots No. 7, nor asked to do a review for their product line. This review is simply my own opinion of the product.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Belle Blossoms Order Discount for Vintage Loving Mom Followers
For my readers who love all things vintage, pinup and rockabilly, I have some great news for you! Thanks to Heather at Belle Blossoms, she is allowing any of my readers who place a order with her before March 18, 2011, to receive 15% off their order.
Belle Blossoms is a wonderful site that creates and sells vintage hair accessories like seasonal belle blossoms, roses and tropical blossoms for all your vintage dos, various side combs, retro bows, wedding belles, snoods, and the Blossom of the month.
There are so many different wonderful selections on Belle Blossoms, sure to keep you looking vintage and fabulous every single day! I am excited to order a slew of products soon and hope that you will take advantage of the discount as well.
Be sure to check out Heather's large selection at Belle Blossoms and place your order soon before the discount ends! Simply enter the code BELLES at checkout to receive the 15% discount, available to followers of The Vintage Loving Mom!
XOXO, Crystal
Belle Blossom's Belles Bow Bobby Pins
Belle Blossom's Ivory Triple Rosebud Side Combs
Belle Blossom's Retro Cherries Deep Red Hair clip
Belle Blossom's Large Luscious Rose
*Images used courtesy of Belle Blossoms
Belle Blossoms is a wonderful site that creates and sells vintage hair accessories like seasonal belle blossoms, roses and tropical blossoms for all your vintage dos, various side combs, retro bows, wedding belles, snoods, and the Blossom of the month.
There are so many different wonderful selections on Belle Blossoms, sure to keep you looking vintage and fabulous every single day! I am excited to order a slew of products soon and hope that you will take advantage of the discount as well.
Be sure to check out Heather's large selection at Belle Blossoms and place your order soon before the discount ends! Simply enter the code BELLES at checkout to receive the 15% discount, available to followers of The Vintage Loving Mom!
XOXO, Crystal
Belle Blossom's Belles Bow Bobby Pins
Belle Blossom's Ivory Triple Rosebud Side Combs
Belle Blossom's Retro Cherries Deep Red Hair clip
Belle Blossom's Large Luscious Rose
*Images used courtesy of Belle Blossoms
Friday, February 18, 2011
Refurbishing vintage earrings
I absolutely love vintage earrings; the quirkier and unique, the better. I often find myself searching antique malls, estate sales, yard sales, flea markets, and various websites for the next perfect pair of vintage earrings. Too often, I would find a pair that were just gorgeous, completely authentic, and in wonderful condition, only to find that they were clip-on or screwbacks. I have tried and tried to wear these types of earrings, but they are just torture on my lobes. Alas, I can only wear hypoallergenic posts in my ears. After some creativity, however, I came up with a way to convert vintage finds to a modern-day pierced earring.
When looking for earrings, I always look for a set that are unique and appealing to my tastes, building upon a current wardrobe, as I don't think I would ever wear earrings that I didn't have anything to match them up with in some fashion. The most important feature to consider when you are going to convert vintage earrings to post earrings is if the back of the earring has a flat enough surface to hold a post. Sadly, there have been one or two sets that I have had to pass up, as the backs were in just too bad of a shape to convert and last.
Items you'll need to convert vintage earrings
Two-part epoxy (make sure to check label that solution is safe on metal and/or plastic)
Q-tips
Wire snips
Metal file
Flat back earring posts (typically found in any crafts store)
Rubber or metal earring backs (typically found in any crafts store)
Cardboard piece (thick enough to work on with the epoxy)
The first step in converting to post earrings is the removal of the old hardware on the back of the earrings. I use wire snips or a pair of needle-nose pliers to twist off the clips or screwbacks at the very base of the surface, as close as you can get. I then use a metal file to wear down any left over stump from the clip or screwback. This may take a little time, but not as much if you got as close as possible to the flat surface on the back of the earring. You want to have the surface flat so that the post will lie flat and adhere better to the backing. I then snip off the head of a q-tip, which works great in mixing the epoxy and applying it to the backing. Next, I mix the two parts of the epoxy on the cardboard piece and get right to setting the posts on the back of the earrings. You will have to work in a timely manner, since the epoxy will start to set if you leave it for too long. I dab the cut end of the q-tip in the epoxy and swirl a small amount on the flat surface of the earring post, then apply directly to the earring back. I set the posts in the very center of the earring back, though you can go higher if you desire. You will still have a minute or two for moving the back around to get the placement just where you want it. Lastly, I set the earrings back-side facing up on a flat surface to dry untouched for about 24 hours, when the epoxy will be fully set and dry. The earrings are then ready to wear!
I have purchased many sets over the years that have found a wonderful new home where they will be cared for and used each and every day. Some can be purchased for only a few dollars if you find a good deal; others I have paid more for but they were well worth it. In my opinion, you just can't find the selection, quality and craftsmanship in today's reproduction earrings like you can with the real deal!
Happy crafting, all!
Sincerely, Crystal
A vintage find from a flea market, unconverted.
I'm a sucker for green and polka dots!
The earring posts and backings that I use.
Just a few of the vintage finds I have located and
converted to pierced earrings.
When looking for earrings, I always look for a set that are unique and appealing to my tastes, building upon a current wardrobe, as I don't think I would ever wear earrings that I didn't have anything to match them up with in some fashion. The most important feature to consider when you are going to convert vintage earrings to post earrings is if the back of the earring has a flat enough surface to hold a post. Sadly, there have been one or two sets that I have had to pass up, as the backs were in just too bad of a shape to convert and last.
Items you'll need to convert vintage earrings
Two-part epoxy (make sure to check label that solution is safe on metal and/or plastic)
Q-tips
Wire snips
Metal file
Flat back earring posts (typically found in any crafts store)
Rubber or metal earring backs (typically found in any crafts store)
Cardboard piece (thick enough to work on with the epoxy)
The first step in converting to post earrings is the removal of the old hardware on the back of the earrings. I use wire snips or a pair of needle-nose pliers to twist off the clips or screwbacks at the very base of the surface, as close as you can get. I then use a metal file to wear down any left over stump from the clip or screwback. This may take a little time, but not as much if you got as close as possible to the flat surface on the back of the earring. You want to have the surface flat so that the post will lie flat and adhere better to the backing. I then snip off the head of a q-tip, which works great in mixing the epoxy and applying it to the backing. Next, I mix the two parts of the epoxy on the cardboard piece and get right to setting the posts on the back of the earrings. You will have to work in a timely manner, since the epoxy will start to set if you leave it for too long. I dab the cut end of the q-tip in the epoxy and swirl a small amount on the flat surface of the earring post, then apply directly to the earring back. I set the posts in the very center of the earring back, though you can go higher if you desire. You will still have a minute or two for moving the back around to get the placement just where you want it. Lastly, I set the earrings back-side facing up on a flat surface to dry untouched for about 24 hours, when the epoxy will be fully set and dry. The earrings are then ready to wear!
I have purchased many sets over the years that have found a wonderful new home where they will be cared for and used each and every day. Some can be purchased for only a few dollars if you find a good deal; others I have paid more for but they were well worth it. In my opinion, you just can't find the selection, quality and craftsmanship in today's reproduction earrings like you can with the real deal!
Happy crafting, all!
Sincerely, Crystal
A vintage find from a flea market, unconverted.
I'm a sucker for green and polka dots!
The earring posts and backings that I use.
Just a few of the vintage finds I have located and
converted to pierced earrings.
Finding the perfect one...red lipstick, that is!
I am always on the search for the perfect shade of red lipstick. Something about the color and the combination of light skin with a contrasting, dark lip always draws me in. For someone with a light complexion and very dark hair, locating said red lipstick has been tiresome in the past. The shades that I found were either too orange, too little blue undertones, or I simply didn't like the feel of the lipstick. Is it too much for a girl to ask to find a red lipstick that moisturizes, looks good, stays in place, and wears well? Over the years my search led me to ultimately finding Mac's Viva Glam I, which has been my favorite up until now.
I recently purchased and tried out Revlon's Just Bitten lipstain and balm in the shade of Gothic, which is a classic shade of bright red. The stain comes in a handy, all-in-one stick with the lipstain felt-tip applicator at one end and the clear lipbalm at the other end. What I like about this lipstain, besides the beautiful color, is the fact that you can get a pretty precise application with the tip, it contains Vitamin C, is lightweight, and provides protection for a good majority of the day without major touch-ups. I applied it first thing in the morning after getting ready for the day, and only had to do minor touch-ups after eating during the day.
This lipstain has become one of new favorite red lipsticks and I plan on using it indefinitely. The Just Bitten line has several other shades, ranging from pinks, to browns, to red. You can use the lipstain with just one application for lighter coverage, or build up with a few applications for a darker shade, as I typically do (just make sure that you let the lipstain dry for about 30 seconds before applying the balm once you've achieved the darkness you desire).
Please see photos below of the application process that I did.
To view Revlon's Just Bitten line, all the shades that are offered, and information about the formulation of the lipstain, click here.
Coming up soon...a review on Boots No 7 lipstick in Cherry!
Sincerely, Crystal
* I have, in no way, been paid or endorsed by Revlon, nor asked to do a review for their product line. This review is simply my own opinion of the product.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Overhaul and Updates on Vintage Loving Mom
I would like to let my followers know that I will be updating the Vintage Loving Mom blog shortly and plan on doing some beauty tips, how-to's, and reviews in the near future. I also plan on doing some giveaways if time allows, so long as I gain more followers. So, if you have a love of the vintage life, want to channel the inner pin-up within, and adore everything rockabilly, then stay tuned and follow the Vintage Loving Mom!
Love, Crystal
Love, Crystal
