Updatey-kins...

Thanks to all you lovely people, my youtube channel soared to over 4,000 subscribers this past weekend! It's awfully nice of you to watch my carryings-on and I appreciate it. I can't help but think it is partly due to all you nice viewers who posted my review of Lauren's book on their Twitter and Facebook pages. So thanks again! I owe ya one...and hopefully Lauren has seen a few sales due to our 'networking'.

Over the past few weeks, I've been contacted by several companies who wish to promote their product through my channel. Some I have declined, some I have wholeheartedly accepted. If it's a product I already use, that's a no brainer (like my Besame lipstick review from yesterday). But occasionally, I'm contacted by people whose product I am not interested in, or whose product I don't feel would appeal to my audience. Also, I have no interest in promoting product from huge 800 pound elephants (like MAC) who certainly don't need my assistance. So hopefully, I'll be able to continue to bring your attention to 'little fellas' who deserve some extra support...and who are on their way up! Therefore, if you see something you like...send some business their way, if you can! And feel free to alert me to Etsy shops or small product companies that you'd like to see featured on LisaFreemontStreet. Much thanks in advance, for that.

Tutorial-wise, I'm planning an edgy pin up look (similar to my Psychobilly one) with an original makeup look to go along with it. Also, I'm going to tackle the authentic pageboy, using techniques from a 1940's styling book I received recently. So I hope all of you tune in for that.

I'm still looking forward to the release of the Vintage Lifestyle Magazine that I mentioned in a prior post. The how-to feature that was contributed by myself is ready for action! Unfortunately, the pilot issue has been moved back to January or February of 2010. But I'll keep you posted on its progress as well.

Lastly, you may have noted that I did not devote a blog entry to my last two 'Starlets', Julie Christie and Michelle Pfeiffer. No reason except lack of time...and the momentum has since, died. So I don't think I'll be doing it after all. No loss of love for those two ladies...just not as passionate about their biographies as I was my prior gals. If your curiosity is just killing you, feel free to google the heck out of them!

Until next time, 'So long, dearies!'

~Vintage Hairstyling by Lauren Rennells~ A Review

Last week, I recieved my copy of Lauren Rennells' book-'Vintage Hairstyling~Retro Hairstyling with Step by Step Techniques'. The book professes to be 'the perfect guide for showing us how to create so many of those vintage hairstyles'. However, if ever the word 'perfect' could be an understatement, this is the time.

When I first received the book, my first impression was that the quality was better than I expected. The book is a good sturdy paperback, similar in weight and size to those glossy hairstyling books at the salon. As I thumbed through it, I found myself smiling, sitting down in my recliner, and not budging from that spot for a good long while. It's downright addictive.

The magic of this guide is the way it is constructed. I have always had a weakness for illustrated step by step and how-to features in magazines. This book surpasses them all, since it not only takes us through the processes but makes the journey a nostalgic walk through time. There are lovely photos of vintage styling products spliced in with modern ones, and those gorgous glossy photos of the hairstyles will make anyone pick up a bobby pin. The quality photographs make something as simple as a banana comb (remember those?) look like a novel discovery!

Logically, the book starts with a few pages concerning the tools and tricks of the trade. It explains the difference between a hot roller set and a pin curl set, a bobby pin and a hair pin, a pomade and a setting lotion. Though I've been practicing with vintage hairstyles for some time now, I was astonished at how much I'd learned by the time the pincurl demonstration got started. Where vintage styling manuals take it for granted that its readers are professionals, this book uses the most basic of language-so that even the novice will understand. 'Victory Roll-virgins' are welcome here!

After the basics of setting and styling are discussed, the book moves into even more inspiring territory as it takes you through a series of gorgeously conceived 'Final Styles' ranging in appearance from the 1920's to the 1960's. Once the reader becomes familiar with the aforementioned basics, even these glamorous hairdo's will seem relatively easy and achievable. I especially appreciated the styles created specifically for ladies who love to wear hats, as well as those designed for ladies (like me) who enjoy wearing the u-shaped Bettie Page style bang. Though the style is oftentimes considered 'restrictive', this book offers versatility for ladies who enjoy the look.

The icing-on-the-cake is in the final section, a nice little bonus for 'vintage dolls'. This segment features tips on authentic looking hair accessories, makeup application, and ways to protect that vintage 'do.

Over the last year, I have developed quite a little collection of Vintage Hairstyling books-most of which are reprints of actual manuals from the era. I would gladly toss them all aside for this one. Lauren's knowledge and appreciation for the past lends an air of authenticity that makes any of these other guides obselete by comparison.

My rating: 10/10
You NEED this book! ;-)
Order it at www.vintagehairstyling.com (Lauren's website) or mybabyjo.com.

Some of my favorite Etsy Shops...

I have been frequenting Etsy alot, recently. I like the ease of naviagation and the variety of amazing handmade items available. Some of my favorite shops at the moment are as follows:

1. Andewynn Designs:
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5161618&&ga_search_query=andewyn+designs&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=&order=date_desc&includes[]=tags&includes[]=title


In an ocean of homemade jewelry, Adrienne's designs really stand out. I love the turn and organic flow of her pieces, such as the 'cloud' bracelet pictured above. Her creations are traditional, but edgy. Contemporary, but antique. It's hard to label such things but all of them are beautiful and equisitely crafted. I love the idea of having one-of-a-kind jewelry and these pieces are something I'd be proud to show off.

2.Lapaperie and Cozy:
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5377992&fref=fb_itemlist

There is something very comforting about writing down one's thoughts in a handbound leather journal. Beverly makes some gorgeous ones. The journals are beautifully bound in a rustic leather and some contain quotes by noteable authors on the title page-an extra source of enthusiastic inspiration for we of the 'budding brain'. There are guestbooks, sketchbooks, and other niceties also available. Whichever you choose, I'm certain you'll be thrilled with the workmanship and the 'personality' of your own gorgeous volume.

3. Topsy Turvy Designs:
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5205648

This shop offers phenomal accessories for costuming or simply living out your own glamorous vintage style. The prices reflect the quality of the items but the originality can't be questions. Of particular note are the stunning feather fascinators, sassy bellhop pillbox hats, and sequinned flower clips for those extra girlie occasions.

4. Baroque and Roll:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=29897142

Creative hats are always impressive and this site has some gorgeous options. I love the tweed with feathers, as pictured above, and some of the vintage jewelled hair clips offered on this site are the absolutely perfect. There are also 1920's style headbands that would be enviable by today's standards as well, and did I mention the decorative cuffs? Stunning.

Tha's all for now. Feel free to post your own suggestions for Etsy handmade goodies in the comments. :)

Starlets of the 1950's-1960's...Grace Kelly and Sophia Loren

Perfect Grace
____________

Grace Kelly was born in Philadelphia PA on November 12, 1929. Her brother, John Jr, was an olympic athlete and she also had two sisters, Margaret and Elizabeth. Grace did some modelling and amateur acting in high school, which led her to pursue acting after graduation. She then attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, where she starred in a production of The Philadelphia Story, a fact that is especially interesting, considering that the musical version of the same story 'High Society', would be her last film.

Dramatic Schooling led to her appearance on over sixty television programs during the late 1940's, and eventually to her first motion picture, Fourteen Hours. The film came and went without much notice but Grace was noticed by an important person indeed, actor Gary Cooper. As she continued to act on television and in the theater, a deal was in the works to place her opposite Cooper himself in the enormously popular film, High Noon. The film rocketed her to super stardom and during the fifties, she made a slew of huge box office hits and became the most fashionable icon of the day. The role of Lisa Fremont ('Rear Window') was especially remarkable to me since it first paired Grace with designer Edith Head and, in my opinion, made an impression of remarkable impact on the style of actresses, in general. She also won an oscar for her portrayal in 'The Country Girl', an unglamorous role that exceptionally showcased her acting skills.

In 1955, Grace was invited to share in a photo shoot at the Palace of Monaco, with the Prince himself, who was an avid fan. Upon a visit to the US, Prince Rainer met with Grace after a short correspondence. He also met with her family and after only three days, he proposed. The wedding of the 'century' was set for April 19th, 1956. It was a 40 minute 'civil ceremony' that took place with much 'pomp' and many guests vying to set eyes on the new Princess Consort. The gorgeous dress worn by Grace was designed by Helen Rose and was the work of over a dozen seamstresses and six weeks of labor. The couple left that evening for a seven week Meditteranean cruise and Grace was officially a Princess.

The couple had three children before Grace returned, in a limited way, to the arts. Most of these were in the form of narration or charitable acts of support for various art institutions. She also spoke freely in her support of La Leche League, a group that advocates breastfeeding and its benefits.

Grace had a famous friendship with Josephine Baker. In 1951, Grace stood up for what she deemed right when she boldly spoke out against the Stork Club in NY, for their racist refusal to wait on Josephine. The friendship evidently was maintained throughout Grace's marriage. When Baker approached bankruptcy, Kelly and the Prince offered financial assistance and at the time of Josephine's death, Grace secured her burial in Monoco.

In 1982, Grace suffered a stroke while driving home w/ her daughter, Stephanie. The stroke resulted in her vehicle leaving the road and careening down a mountainside. She died as a result of her injuries on the following day. Stephanie only suffered comparatively minor injuries. The Prince and the entire world mourned; the former of which did not remarry and was buried by her side at his death in 2005.

The world will never forget Grace's effortless presence, her poise, her beauty, and most of all-her wonderful movies that continue to make an impact today.


'God Bless You, Princess Grace'~James Stewart.




Gorgeous Sophia
____________________

Sofia Villani Scicolone was born in Rome on September 20, 1934. During WW2, the family moved to Naples, to avoid bombing raids on the city. She was a shy child and it wasnt until the age of 14 that people began to truly take notice of her extraordinary beauty, when she placed as a finalist in a local beauty contest. From there, she entered extra work in the movies.

After a long relationship with Carlo Ponti, who met her in 1950, a divorce was finally granted him by his wife in 1966, when he married Loren and made their relationship valid. They had two children, Carlo Jr and Eduoardo. During this time, Sophia's career was steadily rising. By 1957, she had a series of popular films, starring opposite such leading men as Cary Grant (who reportedly fell in love with her)and Frank Sinatra.

In 1960, the film 'Two Women' garnered Loren a series of awards, including the Oscar, and catapulted her from 'sex symbol' to bonafide actress. Her films haven't all been box office successes, but she has a credible movie roster to her name. In addition to acting, she enjoyed singing and recorded several songs during her career.

Motherhood slowed Sophia down considerably and made her more careful in choosing her roles. She still makes appearances in an occasional film and can be seen often at awards shows and other ceremonies. She is , to this day, stunningly beautiful, gracious, and endearing.

'Everything you see, I owe to spaghetti'~Sophia Loren