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}

Madewell in Portland!

Today Madewell is opening it's highly anticipated store in Portland! 
I was invited to a pre-grand opening brunch yesterday, where I met up with Jade of Endlessly Enraptured, and we spent part of the afternoon shopping and meeting other bloggers and ladies just as excited to see a store finally opening in town. 
The shop is located in the Pearl, just off of Burnside (where Diesel used to be), and the weather was bright and warm, a perfect welcome into town. The employees were so friendly, and we even got to meet the head designer, Somsack Sikhounmuong. 
Thank you Madewell for a lovely event, and so happy to have you in Portland! 

Easter outfit

Swedish Hasbeens sent me these shoes just in time for Easter (and a small break in the rain). I love Hasbeens, they're oddly comfortable and these will be perfect for summer!
This outfit was partially inspired by Chocolat, it's been ages since I've watched it, but her outfits always stick on my head. And how cute is this skirt?! Apparently a lot of girls in this area have it, it's a wagon trail print which I like to believe is the Oregon Trail :)
Peep-Toe High-Courtesy of Swedish Hasbeens
Oregon trail skirt-Bombshells and Babes
Top-Thrifted
Necklace-Gift from Sam

On the cusp of spring

{This post has been sponsored by Swapdom}
Portland gave us a taste of sunny spring right on schedule, then jumped into April showers. Every time it starts to warm up people pack away their coats and pull out the sundresses. Having lived here all my life I know better and enjoy the blue skies but embrace the gray that will follow for another few months. It's like a little vacation every year! 
I did however pull this 40s novelty skirt out of storage, I traded it on Swapdom last winter and this cardigan matches it so perfectly! I just posted some new items in my profile up for trade, so go check them out! You can find me here. 
Skirt-Swapdom
Cardigan-Rummage sale
Eliza Boots-Walk Over