Monterey Media Circus Digital Photography Group Photo Shoot

Monterey Media Circus Digital Photography Group held a fantastic photo shoot on August 21 at Xpressions Studio in Monterey. It was a day of lights, cameras, playfulness, elegance, and whimsy. Christine Holding, hostess of the event, was joined by fellow photographers Michelle Robertson, George Haas, and Todd Davalos. Not only was there one talented photographer present, but four. My clothing business, Secondhand Passion, provided the upcycled and vintage clothing and accessories. Make-up artistry was provided by Gaia, and Jessica, Laura, and I modeled. Thanks, everyone!





The shoot wouldn't be complete without some radiant red and cobwebs. That's what I look like in a black punky wig and all done up.




Peacock feathers, lace, and glamour.




For a look reminiscent of the Dresden Dolls' style plus Steampunk and Victorian flair, wear striped accessories, top hats, feathers, and antique key necklaces with Victorian-inspired dresses. Don't be afraid to mix it up!




Black lace never goes out of style.

Check out http://www.meetup.com/Monterey-Media-Circus-Digital-Photography-Group/events/23139621 to view more of the pics from the shoot.

Bedford County, Virginia Countryside Wandering

For me and many others, spending time in nature reinforces the importance of caring for our environment and preserving open spaces. These were taken at the Peaks of Otter and other various places in Bedford County, Virginia that I recently visited (click on the images for a larger view):




Peaks of Otter:

Johnson Farm






All the more reason to buy vintage, reuse, recycle, drive less, cut back on energy use, and do all that we can to help our planet, right?

Want to make your own Halloween costume this year?

I dream of Halloween all year round, so if you ask me, it's never too soon to start preparing. This is the time of year that the Halloween items start coming out, which I find exciting. Static White of the Etsy Dark Team recently blogged about costumes that you can make yourself using patterns.

Costume themes include:
The Matrix: Unloaded (Neo and Morpheus)
Sherlock Holmes
Van Helsing
Full Metal Alchemist
Uryū Ishida
Victorian travel/driving coats
Interview with the Vampire
Doctor Who
Civil War
Victorian/Steampunk
Firefly

Read the EDT post here:
http://etsydarkteam.blogspot.com/2011/08/costume-ideas-for-seamstress-in-all-of.html

The countdown is on!

Information on Alternative Materials

If you'd like to learn more about alternative materials used in sustainable fashion, read this article by Stephanie Evans: http://greenlivingideas.com/2008/09/07/sustainable-fashions-many-alternative-materials .

Evans explains different options that range from kenaf to material made from recycled plastic. Did you know that it's possible to create textiles from beets? Whether you are a designer or shopper, this is a valuable resource and an interesting read.

The article also mentions working conditions in other countries and the global market.

Don't have the money to spend on new clothes right now? That's okay. The article gives tips on improving what you already own.

Southern Gothic Charm & 70s/80s Vintage

Sultry, demure, and embellished with glitter! Carolyn Lindberg of Killing Moon Vintage is selling this Size Medium 1980s black vintage cocktail dress with sweetheart bust, flared skirt, deep V plunge back, boned bodice, opaque velvet, and burnout velvet. Listing: http://www.etsy.com/listing/76841833/vintage-80s-bodycon-mesh-burnout-velvet




Here's another one from Killing Moon Vintage. Get this gorgeous 1970s vintage Norman Berg for Denise Fashions jacket here: http://www.etsy.com/listing/76839563/beautiful-vintage-1970s-jacket-norman. It has a ribbon waist sash, lace leaves, and covered buttons in the back that doll it up.





And this is an eclectic, edgy obi-inspired cumberbund belt with Southern Gothic charm. It features black lace, recycled vintage leather, and a skeleton key. bayousalvage is selling this darling here: http://www.etsy.com/listing/54679094/southern-gothic-for-your-waist-or

Secondhand Passion Additions of the Week

Some recent additions for men:



Be the envy of Dorian Gray in this black velvet upcycled blazer with antique white porcelain Bridgeport watch dial pin. The pin features a red vintage cabochon and with a gold-toned watch gear. The watch gear and dial are from the late 1800s or early 1900s. The watch dial shows some signs of age, which gives the pin and jacket an edgy look.

More details:
Brand - Yves Saint Laurent
Size - Approx. Men's M
Length - Approx. 32 inches
Chest - Approx. 38 inches
Sleeves - Approx. 25 inches
2 black marbled plastic buttons in the front
2 roomy pockets in the front plus one smaller one in the front
3 black plastic buttons on either sleeve
2 slits in the back
Jacket condition: excellent
Lined
Professionally dry clean only
Made in France

Just put the jacket on and you'll become the embodiment of decadence and elegance.

Listing: http://www.etsy.com/listing/80120927/the-envy-of-dorian-gray-upcycled-yves






This is a short-sleeved button-up collared shirt with unusual details that add subtle eccentricity and undeniable stylishness. It features a diamond-shaped embroidered pattern. There are buttons on the shoulders. It's estimated to be either from the 1970s or 1980s.

More details:
Tag is labeled Size L / 40
Length - Approx. 30 inches (front) and approx. 31 inches (back)
Material - 80% polyester, 20% cotton
Brand - Guayaberas Yucatecas
Made in Mexico

The pin is comprised of an antique glass doll eye from Thuringia, Germany and an ornate solid brass escutcheon that measures approximately 1 3/8 inches wide and 1 inch tall. The pin was assembled using non-toxic silicone glue.

Pair with the "All Eyes on You" fedora (http://www.etsy.com/listing/49754761/all-eyes-on-you-fedora) for double the intrigue.

Listing: http://www.etsy.com/listing/80116054/mens-vintage-button-up-shirt-with-eye





Upcycled and ready to rock! This black and white pinstriped Tripp NYC jacket, which is a conglomeration of steampunk, goth, and punk, has been adorned with a black and silver toned cross with grommets and a vintage laundry pin with Tripp NYC handcuffs that came from another Tripp jacket attached to it. The pleather (vinyl) cross pin measures 5 inches x 4.5 inches, and the vintage numbered laundry pin is 2 inches long. The brass laundry pin is embossed with "A 5", and it has a silver toned watch gear from the late 1800s or early 1900s that was added using non-toxic silicone glue. Both pins are removable and can be placed on other parts of the jacket as well so that you can customize as you please. The removable pins also make for easier cleaning.

Other features of the jacket include 3 black plastic buttons and two roomy pockets in the front. There is also a third smaller pocket in the front.

The jacket is a men's size XS (fits chest measurement 33-36 inches). Although it's a men's size, it would also work for ladies (approximately size S/M for women). The sleeves measure approx. 26 inches. The length of the jacket from top to bottom is 27 inches. It's 97% cotton and 3% spandex. It's in excellent condition.

Listing: http://www.etsy.com/listing/79784145/tripp-nyc-upcycled-pinstriped-jacket

Latest Items in the Secondhand Passion Etsy Shop

My latest additions:


Perfect for the stately gent (or lady)!

The exact age of the black wool vest with satin back is unknown, but it appears to be from the Edwardian Era (1901-1910). The Edwardian Era is also sometimes extended to 1919.

The vest has four covered buttons, two pockets in the front, and an adjustable back with buckle. After being tried on by a few gentlemen who wear clothing sizes ranging from S-L, I would say that it would probably best fit someone who wears a men's size medium, but given the adjustable back, it could accommodate a size small. It fit someone who typically wears sizes M-L, so it could work for the smaller end of size large as well. Unbuckled and lying flat, the length is 26 inches from top to bottom (highest to lowest points) in the front, and in the back, 20 inches.

Other measurements:

chest area - approx. 20 inches in the front (approx. 40 inches total)
stomach area - approx. 20 inches (front side side) / 40 inches (total)
shoulders - 15 1/2 inches (front) / 21 inches total

The vest is in great vintage condition. It shows only minor signs of wear. There is slight staining on the lining, but when worn, it never shows. There is also a slight tear at the top of the vest in the back, but it's hardly noticeable.

It looks fantastic with a pocket watch or chain (not included).

Listing: http://www.etsy.com/listing/79339477/mens-black-stately-antique-vest






"Class It Up"

This purse is classy, elegant, and chic, and although it's from the 1950s-1960s, it's perfect for a lady of today. I could see this working fabulously for an Old Hollywood-inspired outfit, or perhaps even a Steampunk outfit if you're not afraid to mix your eras for a timeless, eclectic outfit.

It features gold-toned metal, floral accents on the metal, and two purple marbled teardrop-shaped vintage cabochons surrounding a circular red cabochon in the center on the front of the purse. The cabochons were affixed to the purse using silicone glue, which is non-toxic. The purse has a beaded texture in addition to black flowers and zigzag pattern. The lining is black, and there is one small pocket inside of the purse.

The purse was found at the Moss Landing Antique Fair without a chain. The purse now has a new chain with an antiqued finish.

Including the chain, from top to bottom, it measures 24 inches. It measures 8 inches across at the widest point.

The purse is in good condition with only minor signs of age, which enhance its character.

Listing here: http://www.etsy.com/listing/79402699/upcycled-class-it-up-1950s-black-floral