American Threads

A few years ago I did a post on how difficult it is to find quality women's clothing. We're bombarded with fast fashion options and throw away trends, yet finding the same options readily available to men is a task. I want the same quality, the same craftsmanship, and I want things made here, in the U.S. Originally I was going to start a feature here on American made clothing for women, but after toying with the idea I decided the concept deserved it's own platform. 
So I started a sister blog, American Threads. It'll follow my finds and reviews, as well as outfits, interviews, and whatever else is relevant to living in clothing that's made to be lived in. 
So if that's something that interests you, take a look and follow along.   {American Threads} 

How to apply red lipstick

There are lots of red lipstick tutorials out there (or pink, or purple, or whatever), but this is my personal favorite method. I adapted it from a beauty book I loved when I was in my early teens. It really stays put, thanks to all the layering and a solid foundation. I can have a meal, drink, completely wipe my lips and barely need a touch up after.

Use a cream lipstick rather than a matte. Matte will just dry out, and cream offers a larger variety of reds anyway. The lipstick used here is Chanel Rouge Coco in Gabrielle.

{you will need}

foundation

foundation brush or sponge

lipliner 

cream lipstick

lip brush

tissue or hankie for blotting 

powder

Before starting, you want to be sure your lips are soft, and not chapped or flaky. Apply beeswax lip balm overnight, or for flaky lips, try a sugar scrub or light brushing with a clean toothbrush. 

1.

Blot or brush foundation on lips and let dry. This provides a solid and blank canvas for gripping. 

2.

Line lips with lipliner, and color in a bit. Be sure to reach the corners of your mouth. 

3. 

Apply lipstick with a lip brush. A brush allows for minimum pulling (which could mess up your previous layers) and maximum control. 

4.

Blot, making sure to blot all corners (sometimes the cupids bow get's neglected). 

5.

Lightly dust on powder with a brush. 

6. 

Apply lipstick with a brush again as before. 

7. 

Blot as before. 

8.

Finished! 

Thrift store dress

I just realized one of my favorite dresses has never made it to Vixen Vintage! I found it last summer at a local charity shop, but it nearly reached my ankles, had big puffy 80s sleeves, and gold plastic buttons. A little snip and stitch here and there and it's one of the easiest dresses to wear year round.
Dress and belt-Thrifted
Peep-Toe High-Courtesy of Swedish Hasbeens
Sunglasses-Anthropologie  

1930s knitting patterns

This week I've been listing one of my favorite finds, 1930s knitting and crochet pattern booklets. Pattern booklets from the depression era are rare, and these have so many pretty designs they're fun to even just flip through. I even have a plus size pattern booklet which is quite amazing, considering most standard patterns were around a 34 bust back then. I'm still going through and listing, but take a look, and start planning your next project! 









{1930s knitting and crochet patterns}