Ragtime Hair Accessory from Urban Outfitters

I bought two headbands from Urban Outfitters. I had been mooning over this original 1920s hair accessory:

The ones I bought only have two bands, not three, but are otherwise quite lovely and similar. Of course, wearing this, it is a headband. I am now a bit concerned about where the medallions on the original would sit. Is it less of a headband? Do they sit on your ears? Looks uncomfortable, potentially.

Either way, I've decided I like these headbands plain anyway. Doesn't this look like an awfully nice ragtime hairstyle? I am considering wearing two of them together, to make two or three bands (the middle one thicker for three, obviously), but I haven't quite gotten them to lay right. May be better to just do this instead. Thoughts?

Violet Syrup

A few days ago I was walking with mother and we went to an odd little organic-type grocery store. I was drawn to nothing but sugar! Seriously, they had such incredible beautiful decorating sugar, and maple sugar, and sugared violets, and more! But the thing I had to have was the violet syrup. First of all, it is pretty. Second of all, it sounds unbearably romantic. Third of all, it sounded almost potentially tasty. So I ran home and made some violet soda for myself, with seltzer and a splash of violet syrup. The syrup itself it quite sweet, but mixed like that it makes a very delicate soda. Mother says its like drinking perfume, but I am determined to like it anyway for the dramatic and romantic effect. Also, she says it tastes better with food coloring. She is a bit nutty.

It does look sort of pretty with the food coloring, though. Naturally it makes clear soda.

I will have to experiment more. I think it would be lovely poured on deserts... perhaps a nice vanilla pudding?

Failures in Shopping - Moulin Rouge necklace

I just discovered something very neat, and simultaneously sad. There is a point in the movie Moulin Rouge where the main character is given a dramatic diamond necklace. See here.


It is sparkly, and pretty, and drippy, and cast metal (rather than wired, which makes things look cheaper). And it was once available to buy. Jessica McClintock made and marketed a reproduction a couple of years ago. But of course, I did not know about it then, and as far as I can see the only way to buy one now is to be very lucky and find someone selling an old one. This is a sad day for shopping. The world deserves more sparkle.On the bright side, I have recently ordered something very very sparkly, but I don't want to say anything until it arrives. I will have to show you later! Also, I am working on a project, but that I will reveal tomorrow!

Shallow Boaters

I've been feeling a need to have a really cute boater hat with a very shallow crown. Modcloth had one in red that I adored, but they don't seem to be selling it anymore. They still have one in straw color, and it is very pretty. Then recently I found another side called Berkley Hat which is selling three colors. Pretty pretty. Something to keep in mind, although I don't really need to buy more hats at the moment without a very good excuse. Aren't they really lovely, though?

White Leather Gloves

I mean, of course they're expensive. But I still think it is fundamentally really cool that you can buy modern manufactured fine leather long gloves. I think I could wear those to a ball, don't you? Yes. The company is here.

Post-Steampunk Ball, and 1960s Clothes

The Steampunk Ball was lovely, and all sorts of wonderful people came. I ought to be more on top of things and take pictures of wonderful people in good clothing, but that did not happen. Perhaps I will find some pictures to steal from somewhere, because a lot of the outfits were really great.

Then today I spent some time with some very nice friends from Sarah Lawrence who had come down for the event. We went to the garment district, and I bought a fantastic beige dress. It is very late 1950s to early 1960s, and has a little jacket. When I have my midterms a little more under control I will have to take some pictures of it. A little while ago, I watched the movie An Education. It had serious plot and serious messages and all that, but I just kept seeing pretty clothing and hairstyles (it being set in the 1960s). What beautiful things to look at! Seriously, I usually go for the earlier fuller skirts, but this makes me want gorgeous 1960s clothes and hair.

I bought... a bust?

I just bought the weirdest thing. Urban Outfitters is a funny store - it is so very mainstream, and yet so many of their things appeal to me or have obvious historical influences. So basically, I recommend them. On the other hand, I never buy anything for the full price at UO - they burn through stock, so they always reduce the price of things sooner or later to get rid of the extras. Since I have the ability to wait and check back (fortunately or not, I live next to one), the things I want invariably end up on sale.
But this was not one of the things I was waiting for. This was something that I happened to see on sale for $20 (it is currently on sale on the website for slightly more... I have never figured out how the physical and online stores relate, but it is on sale nonetheless if anyone actually wants one of these). Why do I want a slightly creepy looking jewelry bust? Actually, it needs work. I intend to cover and bulk up the head a bit, so it becomes a wig stand! I own a really spiffy 18th century wig (see the post-Arisia 2010 post), but it is so heavy that a cheap styrofoam head cannot support it, and the whole mess just topples over. This thing should be sturdy enough to deal with the weight, I hope. Another project for a later date.