Tuesday Treasures: A Very Vintage Christmas!

Christmas already!!??  It's hard to believe that this year is nearly over, it went so fast!!  I had a whirlwind year of adventures that made time simply fly by, so here we are two days from Christmas, my favorite holiday of the year!  I have fond memories of the magic and warmth of Christmas.  Decorations, memorable childhood gifts and the presence of loved ones, many of whom have now passed away.  We spent a lot of time at my Grandparents home when I was a child and this shaped my taste in Christmas decor.  Many of the decorations that my Grandparents had were mid century decor from the 50's and 60's.  This developed in me a love for the unique, kitschy and bright however I also love shabby chic, victorian and art nouveau decor in my home so our house and our Christmas decor is an eclectic mix of styles from many eras.  Today's Tuesday Treasures blog is a virtual Christmas tour through my home highlighting my favorite pieces of Christmas decor from all time periods.  Each piece has a story, where I found it, why it has meaning to me and of course the actual history of the item itself.  Enjoy!

 Here is our Living Room decked out for Christmas.  We have two Christmas trees because I just cannot fit all of my Christmas spirit on one!  We have a 6 foot artificial pine and an Aluminum pom pom sparkler tree.  Both trees are filled with ornaments that have meaning to us, we try to collect an ornament each year but honestly we end up with many more than that as we both love antiques and searching through the stores together is something we can spend hours together doing, I love it!  I adore sitting here by the trees and our little faux fireplace wrapped in my furry blanket relaxing with a hot cup of cocoa.  I love interesting things and when they all have memories it makes a home happy indeed, so I have little touches of Christmas in every room!

 My Favorite thing on our large tree are these Vintage Celluloid Icicles-circa 1950's. I am lucky to have eleven of these pretty celluloid icicles that were my Grandmother's, they give an outdoorsy touch.  I love the magic that they lend to our tree which is decorated with cream, gold, and silver.  All sorts of whimsical ornaments, red birds, stars and fanciful things that make my heart soar!

 Vintage "Sputnik" Ornament circa 1950's.  Everything space was huge in the 50's, so these sputnik ornaments are the cutest in mid century kitsch.  I love how it sparkles!  I am definitely going to be on the lookout for more, we found this while browsing the local antique mall and both fell in love!

Our Christmas Tree holds pieces of our lives and memories from each Christmas we have spent together.  It has been a tradition since our very first Christmas as a couple in 1998 to listen to the Celine Dion- These Are The Special Times Christmas CD while decorating the tree and I love the conversations that always go along with it!  I have tried to uphold these traditions and have added more along the way as we became a family in 2000 and as our son Lennon has grown, Christmas has always been a magical time in our household!!

The Sparkler Aluminum Pom Pom Christmas Tree-Circa 1966.  My Uncle purchased this tree shortly before he left for the Vietnam War, somewhere over the years it ended up in my Grandmother's annex storage, when I was 16 I wanted to deck my bedroom for the holidays and asked my Grandma for a Christmas tree, thus the Sparkler became mine. 

I LOVE this tree, its so eclectic and fun, I love putting colorful mercury glass ornaments on it and I am always seeking new pretties for my vintage tree.  I found the multicolored starburst cover lights at a local thrift shop and they add lovely colors but I am going to invest in a color wheel for next Christmas, so I can have the true retro effect!

 Lefton December Angel-Circa 1950's.  My Grandmother had many of these Lefton angels when I was little.  I will always remember when she finally gave me her April Angel, because that is my birthday month and because she made me wait until I was old enough to care for such a delicate figurine.  I found December at my favorite local antique store and she won my heart with her pretty poinsettias and golden halo, I knew she would look perfect sitting with my photos of Grandma and Grandpa.

Keeping watch over the living room on our fireplace mantel are these Christmas Elf Vases-Circa 1960's.  My Mom found these guys at Goodwill, the kitsch lover in me squealed.  I knew I had to have them but I will admit, they are a slight bit creepy but a lot of great retro Christmas decor is!  These "Creepy Elvis Twins" adorn each side of our fireplace mantel every Christmas on their matching plastic poinsettia doilies, that I picked up at a local thrift store for 25 cents!  The cutesy little Christmas Mice are from the 60s and were in a box of awesome retro Christmas decor given to me when I was a teen, by my Mom's best friend.

 Antique Santa Plate-Age Unknown.  Another Goodwill find, this antique Santa plate is something I found our very first Christmas married in 1998 and I knew that I had to have it for serving Christmas cookies!
 

Vintage Santa Circa Early 1900's.  Gift from the sweet Inge, owner of my favorite local antique shop.

Vintage Santa Night Light-Age Unknown.  Found at our local antique mall.

 Antique Santa figures are something that I have just recently become interested in adding to my collection.  It all started with Warren.  I met Warren at church during a very hard time in my life, we were both needing companionship and formed a father/daughter like bond that blessed us both greatly.  He was 84 years old at the time, a big sturdy gentleman with a heart of gold, warm firm hugs and a mischievous twinkle in his eye.  We bonded instantly because I loved hearing his tales of days gone by, I heard about the adventures he had experienced his time in the service during the WWII Era, he reminisced about his beloved late wife and he shared the wisdom learned in a long life.  We were blessed to have Warren as a guest at our home last Christmas and he brought with him a gift, an Antique German Santa Claus Figurine dating from the late 1800's. I cherish this Santa and he stays out year round in memory of Warren, who sadly passed away in the summer of this year.  I began researching and picking up cute vintage Santa's as a result of this gift and the fond memories it gives me.  I love how each person touches our lives and leaves their fingerprints!

Grandma's Christmas Trees!  These two trees are both very thrilling additions to our Christmas decor collection and both were found after hunting for a good deal but it is always worth holding off to find just the right item for you when buying vintage! 

The St. Nick Christmas Tree by Arthur Hahn Company-Circa 1950's  was a decoration my Grandmother Beatrice always had in her kitchen at Christmas.  I remember this cute little bottle brush tree lit with its bright pastel lights gleaming from the heavily snow flocked white branches, it always evoked visions of magic in my young mind.  My Grandmother's original tree was sadly destroyed but I went searching and found this one on E-bay that is an exact replica of Grandma's.  I have had it for about 10 years now and unfortunately the vintage lights stopped working but it's still lovely.  It brings back an exact vision in my head of my beloved Grandparents kitchen!! 

This handmade Green Ceramic Christmas Tree-Circa 1960's, is the newest addition to our collection and my big Christmas gift from my husband this year!  I remember the Green Ceramic Tree that was in the home of my Grandma Marvin, who lived on Horseshoe Lake just around the corner from my Mother's Parents home on Lake Montcalm.  I grew up in a small picturesque rural area with lush forests, wildlife and clusters of picturesque lakes, the natural beauty of Michigan is breathtaking.  It was so fun when I was a kid to be able to walk from Grandma to Grandma to get spoiled by both and it also turned me into an old soul, as I was influenced by a different generation, this translated into my vintage tastes as an adult.  Grandma Marvin always had her big Green Ceramic Christmas Tree as the centerpiece of her kitchen table.  I remember trying so hard to sleep on Christmas Eve, when I was about 6 or 7 years old.  I remember staring at the pretty colored lights from the tree trying, in vain, to lull my excitement!! My husband Kevin and I have been looking for a ceramic tree for several years, we were lucky to win this one in an auction at a local antique mall and I am still in a bit of disbelief that after years of searching it's finally ours!  Christmastimes when I was a little girl were always a treat because we could start the morning at Grandma and Grandpa's opening gifts there and then go just around the corner to open more at Grandma Marvin's or vice versa, I loved having my Grandparents close and their vintage tastes influence me to this day!

I love having little touches of Christmas all over the house.  I picked up these cute plastic candle rings circa the 1960's at our local antique mall to add a little touch of nature. 

 I hope you have enjoyed this little peek into our home at Christmastime.  What is your favorite piece of Christmas Decor in your collection?  Follow me on Instagram and Facebook for tons of Christmas fun to come!

Vendula Funky Handbags- Beauty Salon Box Bag Review

What a lovely day it is here in Michigan, the unseasonable warmth has given way to a bit of snow so I am holding out hope for a white Christmas!  I have been getting everything looking lovely with lots of new vintage additions to my Christmas decor collection this year, stay tuned because I will be posting a big Tuesday Treasures blog filled with Retro Christmas goodness!!!  I have so many great new photos and a couple of holiday dress reviews coming soon, be sure to follow me on Facebook and Instagram for the whole scoop!

Today I am reviewing the Beauty Shop Box Bag in Rose Pink from Vendula.  Vendula have a great selection of funky handbags and unique accessories in a variety of adorable and delightful styles.  I fell in love with so many of their designs and when I contacted them, Vendula were kind enough to send me a bag to review for you.  While I love all of their stylish and interesting bags, I chose the Beauty Salon Box Bag because I could not resist the adorable cats getting all dolled up in the Beauty Salon plus I already own the adorable Voodoo Vixen Kitty Dress and matching Isabella Cardigan (review coming soon!!) and I knew this trio would be absolutely purrfect! 

 Photos: Jeremy McNamara
Bag: Beauty Salon Box Bag in Rose Pink courtesy of Vendula
Editing, Makeup and Hair: Briana Herzog
Dress: Voodoo Vixen Kitty
Cardigan: Voodoo Vixen Isabella
Lipstick: Red Velvet (1946) Besame Cosmetics

Immediately out of the box, I noticed the bright colors, fun subject matter and bold details on the bag.  The Vendula Beauty Salon Bag pictures appliqued black cats in a fun and action packed Beauty Salon scene.


Our first Lady Cat, complete with a pink bow in her hair having her nails painted red by a stylist cat. Behind her are the usual Beauty Salon items, a mirror and an advertisement featuring a model kitty with crazy on trend candy striped hair! To the right is another cat complete with a towel on her head, green face pack on and slices of cucumber on her eyes, she's reading a magazine and enjoying a pedicure in true Beauty Salon pampering style. To the left, we have the shop front door with an applique open sign and door knob. The salon is beautifully decorated with adorable applique hanging baskets and fabric flowers with the trademark striped canopy.  The back of the bag pictures an old fashioned street lamp, bicycle perched against. In true Vendula humor, ‘Bill Posters Will Be Prosecuted’ and in spray painted graffiti underneath the words ‘Bill posters is INNOCENT!!’ and it would not be a complete street scene without the London red Telephone box!

The purse is roomy, lined with Vendula London print fabric and featuring a zip pocket inside.  Vendula Bags are made of sturdy animal friendly faux leather and bright synthetics so you do not have to worry about harming our animal friends for fashion!  I am impressed with the feel of the bag, it is very well made, of high quality materials that will stand up well to daily use.

 The long adjustable moc-croc strap is cute and makes it easy to carry over your shoulder or slung across as a messenger bag if you need your bag kept more secure.  The bag and strap feature contrast green stitching that I just love against the brilliant pink and black colors.  The design if the bag makes it a visual delight and I have had fun seeing peoples reactions to it.  Everyone wants a closer look at this adorable bag!    Vendula Bags are unique, high quality and ethically made, practically purrfect in every way!  Which design by Vendula is your choice??

Bandelettes Lace Thigh Band Review

Today I am reviewing Bandelettes.  I generally am not comfortable with putting any photographs of myself in any of my underthings or even talking about what I wear under my clothing online at all, unfortunately this tends to invite the wrong type of attention and it will be a rarity that I ever post anything of this nature.  However, I believe that Bandelettes are truly a NECESSITY if you are wearing dresses and I am really excited about this product.  I feel that the photos in my review are both tasteful and necessary to show you how the product fits me, for honest review purposes and I have done this showing as little skin as possible.  That being said, I have a ZERO TOLERANCE policy for sexual comments, I am a married woman, a mother and an adult, I will not tolerate any behavior that I deem is disrespectful.  I have had issues in the past or I would not feel this necessary, now onto the review!!

 Bandelettes are a fabulous new concept designed to fight thigh chafing.  Face it, not every girl has a thigh gap, most of us have a spot or two that rub when we walk, this is uncomfortable and can lead to unsightly and painful rashes.  Bandelettes are attractive lace thigh bands that are specifically designed to fight the dreaded thigh rub.  Bandelettes come in several pretty lace patterns, flowery or plain and in a variety of colors so you can have a pair to match every outfit.  Bandelettes are also pretty enough that they can be worn under dresses or worn with shorts to be seen as an accessory.  Bandelettes are for everyone, their lace thigh bands fit thighs from 21 inches up to 32 inches around.  I contacted Bandelettes because I simply HAD to try them and they were kind enough to send me some of their thigh bands to review. 

Black Onyx

Chocolate

Red Romance

 I have been wearing Bandelettes in Beige 1004  in Size E, under my dresses for about six weeks now, this pair has held up surprisingly well with major use as I wear dresses on a daily basis, so they became a part of my dressing ritual.

Beige 1004

It was a bit different at first, I had to get used to having something on my thighs, I generally wear a girdle or a waist cincher for a smooth silhouette but rarely wear anything on my legs.  I admit I was a bit worried about them staying up as in the past even the stay up products specifically designed for plus size women had failed on my thick thighs, I was careful to measure so I would get the right fit.  I am happy to say that Bandelettes in Size E fit great, after a little wear and a couple position adjustments I barely noticed they were there and the non-slip silicone bands kept them up securely without worry. 

  Bandelettes are such a relief, they make things so much more comfortable and now I notice if I forget to put them on for whatever reason (usually because I am perpetually late thus always in a hurry!), I truly mourn the comfort lost.  Getting rid of the friction of skin on skin makes wearing dresses so much more pleasant, thigh rub is just no fun at all and Bandelettes take away all the irritation.

 I have worn my Bandelettes during my daily activities, my first outing was a true test, a shopping trip walking hours around the grocery store and I noticed a huge difference.  The Bandelettes have made a huge difference in my inner thighs cutting down on the "chub rub" which cause a rash on my sensitive skin, the Bandelettes rub against one another and slide without friction which really puts a spring back into my step!!

Beige 1004

Photos: Kevin Herzog  Dress: Blueberry Hill Fashions Marilyn Dress.  Shoes: Rocket Dog (Thrifted)

The pair I have been wearing for six weeks has just started to lose a slight bit of its stick but they still function quite well and they can be washed which I think will revitalize them, however the price is great so you can always have a back up, I have a pair of Beige Onyx that are so pretty, I cannot wait to wear them!  I wanted to wear and test the Bandelettes out for an extended period of time before I wrote this review so I could give you an very honest answer on whether or not I think they are worth buying.  YES, they are, I can say that I am beyond pleased with this amazing invention, I love my Bandelettes, truly I have to ask; Bandelettes, where have you been all my life?!

Wishful Wednesday Winter Wonderland!

Wishful Wednesday is back after a long hiatus!!!  I have been so busy working, doing family things, reviewing and shooting that I've sadly neglected my Wishful Wednesday blogs but no more!!  

  

I love the holidays!  Winter in Michigan brings it's own unique beauty and the Christmas season with brightly colored lights, sparkly tinsel, vintage decorations and activities with loved ones is my favorite holiday of the year!  This week's Wishful Wednesday is my favorite Winter or Christmas themed pieces for tons of interchangeable wardrobe fun whether it's a casual gathering or a dinner party, the pieces will have you outfitted in style!

1.  Bernie Dexter Veronique Dress in Winter Wonderland Print  

Bernie Dexter's Veronique in Winter Wonderland Print is classic. It features a fitted bodice with flattering pleated shoulder details, belted waist and a full skirt with hidden lipstick pockets.  The print is magical, like stepping into a Thomas Kinkade painting, it evokes a dream of snowy serenity.  Veronique in Winter Wonderland Print is an enchanting fantasy dress!

2.  Lindy Bop Renee Green Alpine Print Twin Set

 I love Lindy Bop's new Alpine themed print and the Renee Twin Set is my favorite of the new items they have available in this print.  The Renee Twin Set features a Sleeveless Dress with sweetheart neckline, gathered straps and a full pleated swing skirt; and a matching cropped cap sleeve jacket in complimenting print.  Renee is versatile because each piece is lovely separately but they can also be paired with other items for unlimited potential!

3. Lindy Bop Humphrey Red Knitted Cardigan

  This adorable 1940's inspired Intarsia cardigan features contrast placket with embroidered flower detail, gathered shoulders, long sleeves and button down front.  I would love to wear this cozy cardigan over a dress or paired with a shirt and skirt.  Humphrey is the perfect retro styled cardi!

4.  Hell Bunny Noelle Dress

The Noelle dress from Hell Bunny is a Pin-up perfect cotton frock in a frosty blue winter print with a retro silhouette evocative of mid-century styles. Powdered with snow, the short sleeved sweetheart bodice features princess seaming to the natural waist where a removable white contrast belt nips and cinches into a tightly gathered circle skirt that gracefully falls just below the knee. A festive scene featuring foxes, fawns and birds frolicking around the hem, Noelle is whimsical with pine boughs and woodland creatures, sure to bring a smile to anyone who sees!

5. Folter  Holiday Leaves Dress

A sweet retro styled frock featuring a fitted bodice and full swing style skirt with pockets.  The Holiday Leaves vintage print is festive with birds, acorns, pine branches, holly, Christmas ornaments and presents.  Worn with a cardigan and tights this dress is sure to be a winter wardrobe favorite because of the unique pretty print!

6. Vendula Snowflake Mini Purse

Vendula's Snowflake Mini Purse is great as a purse or mini evening bag.  Silver vegan friendly leather with appliqued snowflake design and a double chain strap make this the perfect compliment to carry with any winter ensemble.

7. Viva La Lux Snowman Confetti Sparkling Brooch

 This fabulous handmade 1940's-50's style Snowman Brooch is covered in Confetti with a sparky top hat!! This is a classic statement piece of jewellery which has been lovingly created to get the most authentic looking finish possible.  Winter in Michigan lasts give or take about five months, so having a Snowman Brooch in my collection would mean months of possibilities!

8.  Erstwilder Tis the Season Resin Brooch

Erstwilder does it again with their latest Holiday themed range.  This adorable ornamented Christmas Tree made from layered resin reminds me of the quirky cute bottle brush trees my Grandmother used to scatter around.  Tis the Season is sold out at the moment but keep your eyes out and you may be able to add this beauty to your collection!

9. Funky Lazer Glitter Reindeer Necklace

Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, You'll go down in history!!  Everyone loves the tale of the Red Nosed Rudolph which has become a Christmas classic our family enjoys watching every year.  This sparkly and bright shiny red Glitter Reindeer Necklace from Funky Lazer will let you take Rudolph with you to your holiday parties and he can lead you to Christmas cheer!!

10.  Irregular Choice Rudy Heels

Embrace the magic of the festive season with Rudy, featuring everyone's favorite red nosed reindeer and a unique handpainted Santa heel.  These cuties will have you Christmas party ready in the (saint) nick of time!  Fun to wear with dresses or jeans, Rudy is the perfect statement for the holiday season!

Do not forget to visit Facebook and Instagram for more fun and your chance to win a Rosita Bonita Mermaid Choker!!  Happy Holidays!

Lux Leather!! Rosita Bonita Review and Mermaid Choker Giveaway!

Christmas is almost here and all the magic of the season is upon us!!  Christmas is my favorite holiday so I may go a bit overboard but the wonder of bright lights, tuneful carols and familiar decorations always brings to mind happy memories and each year we are blessed to make more!!  I have been busy getting our home ready for the holidays and planning all of the events that come with this very busy time of year.  Christmas decorations are adorning each room of our home.  I cherish each piece of our Christmas collection that includes pieces my husband and I have purchased in our 17 year marriage, inherited antiques from our Parents and Grandparents plus each year we try to add something new and unique to our collection.  I have many fond childhood memories that involve Christmas decor and I have been seeking certain items with special meaning for my collection, this year we are on the hunt for a 1970's era Ceramic Christmas Tree.  One of my Grandmothers had one and I will always remember the magical feeling I had every year seeing the glorious glow of it's brightly colored bulbs lighting the night when I was a little girl.  We have a six foot Christmas tree and I also put up the three foot 1960's era Aluminum Silver Pom Pom Tree that my Grandmother gave me as a teen.  I love having a variety of Christmas decor and have rather eclectic taste.  I will be blogging on some of my fun vintage Christmas Collection next week!

I will be posting lots of great reviews and blogs in the next couple weeks to help you with your Christmas gift shopping ideas!  Women LOVE accessories and finding truly unique items that suit their individual style.  I believe that fashion is a way to communicate your inner personality in an unspoken manner so accessories are a must!  I am always on the lookout for new and interesting pieces to add to my wardrobe.  A beautiful and unique piece of jewelry is always a fabulous idea for that special lady on your Christmas list!

  Rosita Bonita is the glamorous alter ego of London Designer Rowenna Harrison.  Her accessories are a fantasy of past times and faraway lands encompassing icons of folklore, myth & legend. The delicate drawings of ripe fruits, blooming flowers and feasting hummingbirds in the Rosita Bonita Orchard collection caught my eye and I was smitten, I am a fool for nature.  With an artist's great imagination, Rosita Bonita creates incredible printed leather statement jewellery.  Each piece of Rosita Bonita leather jewellery is handcrafted in their East London studio. Original illustrations are screen-printed or foil-embossed onto fine leathers and carefully assembled into unique, collectible treasures.  Rosita Bonita was kind enough to send me some items to review as well as a beautiful choker to giveaway to my readers! 


Rosita Bonita's items are even more gorgeous in person!!  Made of soft sturdy leather (with that delightful leather smell!!), bold crisp colors and brilliant gold embossing make these eye catching and amazing to behold as well as unique.   My personal favorite is the Sacred Heart Pendant.  A soft padded leather heart, framed by a shiny gold foil-embossed leather starburst, backed with firm saddlery leather & hanging from golden chain.  The Sacred Heart Pendant, is inspired by colorful Catholic iconography & Mexican Milagros, signifying passion & devotion. These charms are believed to offer protection & bring good luck, but are also a perfect expression of love.

 Perfect to accessorize a number of looks, I have worn my Sacred Heart Pendant with a lace dress for church and I have paired it with a Beatles tee and jeans, it is neutral and classic!

 I chose to showcase the necklace in these photos.  The Sacred Heart to me is a perfect symbol of the love we feel in the Christmas season.

 Photos: Kevin Herzog.  Hair: Alyx Wiltse.  Makeup: Briana Herzog.  Necklace: Sacred Heart Pendant courtesy of Rosita Bonita.  Vintage Fur Wrap  Dress: (not seen) Hell Bunny

Warm feelings, family, friends and the absolute joy of sharing with one another.  I chose to keep things simple in a vintage fur wrap, a strapless dress and a handmade poinsettia fascinator so the heart could shine as the center of the outfit. 

Then we have the bright Jack O'Lantern Earrings which I wore during the Halloween and Fall season.  Here I am wearing them on an outing to Grandpa's Pumpkin Patch.

Photos: Krystina McNamara.  Earrings: Jack O'Lanterns courtesy of Rosita Bonita.  Necklace: Four Seasons Autumn courtesy of Buttonsy Jewelry.  Dress: Igigi Clara in Retro Dot

I also received the adorable Little Cat Stud Earrings which I will be wearing in my shoot for New Years Eve. 

The Little Cat Studs are petite leather powder blue cat head earrings with glowing gold embossed eyes.  They are a cute compliment to any outfit for daily wear. 

How would you like to add a piece from Rosita Bonita to your collection?! 

You could win this glorious Rosita Bonita Mermaid Choker!!

 
To enter go to Facebook or Instagram then Like, Comment and Share the Giveaway Image AND Like/Follow both Sassy Scarlet and Rosita Bonita on both platforms for your chance to win a Rosita Bonita Mermaid Choker. Giveaway will run from  December 8 2015, for one week Ending Tuesday December 15 at 5 PM EST.  This giveaway is open internationally, however I cannot guarantee that the prize will arrive on time for Christmas if it is shipped internationally due to usual delays.  Winner will be randomly chosen by online random number generator from all valid entries from Facebook and Instagram.  The winner will be announced at 6 PM December 15 and the prize will be shipped out within two days!  If the announced winner has not contacted me within 48 hours I will redraw!!