A Few Victorian Items of Clothing

I've been meaning for some time to get photos of some of my Victorian pieces. I wore these to death back in my clubbing days (like a moron -- seriously hanging in seedy clubs dressed in Victorian?) Well I finally came across a few pics I'll entertain you with. Most date from the 1800's.

This is my favourite piece. The beading on it on the back as well as sleeves are exquisite but unfortunately difficult to photograph. The interior is completely lined in whale bones to really cinch you in!



The beautiful regal blue of this velvet and lace piece is made quite the same as the other. The interesting thing is the piece hanging down. Its a piece that goes around your waist on the inside, like you need even more cinching? Those Victorians really liked their tiny waists!

I have a bunch more but they require digging through a cedar trunk and doing all the photographing. I promise one day I'll get around to it as they are too beautiful to keep to myself!

Cheers!

15 Minute Homemade Pasta Sauce!

This is the quickest, most delicious red sauce you can make in minutes. Really the hardest part is the prep work which is minimal. Its my fav way to use up garden tomatoes in the summer but can even be done with either strained or diced tomatoes (I don't recommend the type with seasoning as its so much nicer to add your own.)

Simply chop an onion roughly, some garlic to taste and saute in some olive oil.
Once the onions and garlic are nice and soft, add a can of strained tomatoes and a can of diced tomatoes. If you have fresh even better, just chop them up nice and chunky and dump in the saute pan.
The key to getting the sauce thick without cooking for hours on end is using a saute pan without a lid. You'd be amazed at how quickly your sauce will be nice and thick!

This is the sauce as its cooking.

While this is cooking down, boil your pasta.
Add some seasoning to the sauce to taste. I happen to love loads of basil, but a pinch of salt brings out the sweetness of the tomatoes. Be careful not too much though!
Once your pasta is done cooking your sauce will be ready.
Add to pasta and enjoy delicious homemade pasta sauce!

And here's the finished product -- molto deliziosa! And super quick!

Enjoy!

Cheers!

Spring Cleaning - eBay and Etsy

Well I decided to go the eBay route. More exposure, wider audience. So if you're interested in any of my offerings, please do check them out. I have 100% feedback, and have been buying and selling since the 90's. Here is a link for you to peruse: http://myworld.ebay.com/punkglamqueen I'll probably be adding more as time goes on, I'm just feeling rather sad and fragile today so taking it easy.

I also forgot to mention that I have tons of vintage items up in my Etsy shop, and will be adding more within the next few weeks. I'm very negotiable on Etsy, as I love the community and have met so many wonderful people there. So if you see something, convo me! Here is the link: http://www.etsy.com/shop/PunkGlamQueen

Cheers!

More Melissa Sample Sale Report!

We did indeed hit the sale again today as I really was hoping to get a nice comfy pair I could toss in my handbag for those days the heels got too much in the heat. Prices were not reduced, but there was plenty of stock to choose from and the staff -- as before -- were so helpful, even trying to find tiny pairs for the Punk Glam Princess (no luck though.)

I found these very comfy cute wedges in a light grey (def not white as they look in the pic):

Don't mind the ugly feet pic I walked MILES! And when I switched to these I was in heaven! I had thought flats would be best, but I just trip over my feet in them so these are perfect!

Now these I had been eying from the first visit. But they were a little too much for me to justify. However the owner came over and gave us big hugs welcoming us back introducing himself to my husband, and said pick what I wanted and he would give try to work something to my advantage. And he definitely did! I'm so happy with them that I found two pairs! What a lovely man! I found this last pair of metallic green in my size and am thrilled as I'm def a green person!

The second pair in metallic gold. They are def going to look hot this summer! So comfy too!

The last pair I so wanted, but they just didn't have them in my size. However my friend in Paris, the gorgeous Jeanne Suica (of Jeanne Suica Vintage) lucked out, as I got a deal for her on those too!

The owner was very happy that I had blogged about the event and said they did indeed get many people coming since then. He mentioned about putting me on a future VIP list, and he promised to always give me a great deal! Such a great shopping experience, especially when it comes to the cutthroat world of sample sales! And honestly, you couldn't have come across more helpful, pleasant and lovely staff. I highly recommend you hit it the next time you go! There was even a woman trying to find her way in when we got there and she kept coming up to me and thanking me for showing her where to go. Seriously great people there, staff and customers!

We later moved on to my other fav store... Alexander McQueen to see what was new in store. Omg, the beauties! My pennies will be saved for a few MUST have items. Zarinah, the amazingly stunning and sweet salesperson welcomed us with open arms and big hugs and kisses and wanted to know all about my dress' first outing. So much fun sharing with people who really appreciate wonderful clothing. And, even more extraordinary to find high-end sales people who not only love children but treat them with respect. Yes, I can't wait until my pennies are saved... I'm also excited as she said she just posted out a new catalog for me to plan my purchases!

The PGP had to stop into the Apple store as she's on a "I want an iPad" kick. Well maybe at some point but def not before Mom!

Dinner at the Diner on the corner of 14th by Old Homestead was cheesy-licious! Then we decided to brave Nordstom Rack. Ugh. I'll stick to the one up here in the burbs. I will say the shoe department is very well stocked with great high-end shoes at pretty good prices.

After that, we were exhausted and decided to call it a night. I needed a nice day of retail therapy as tomorrow will be rather somber due to the memorial for a dear friend who passed away.

Cheers!

Sample Sale Report: Melissa Vivienne Westwood

Today was such a beautiful spring day -- not too hot, not too chilly -- just perfect springtime sunshine. So when I picked the Punk Glam Princess up from school, I posed a quick nip into the city to go to the Melissa sample sale. She (as usual) was totally up for it, so off we went. We even scored a free parking space right out front, so the sample sale Gods were with us!

First let me tell you, if you can make it, do try. Its extremely well organized, with loads of help on hand to assist you in finding styles and sizes. The prices are very reasonable, ranging from about $35- $150. If you happen to wear a sample size 6, there are two bins with each pair only $20! Lucky me! The PGP pulled out a pair for me straight away... and low and behold, I scored a pair of those crazy wedge Vivienne Westwood ankle straps with... WINGS in magenta! Yes, they're a little wacky, but I really adore them, and they are so very comfy as your foot is completely flat!

Sorry for the blurry pic, not so good at taking pics while bending down!

This one is much clearer, and you can see the shape perfectly. Love! Absolutely perfect for perking up a dull summer outfit!

I've been in dire need of a new pair of wellies (my preferred garden attire, not to mention they always come in handy when visiting the English countryside!) and have been in love with the Vivienne Westwood squiggle design since it first appeared in the 80's. But I've never been able to find the wellies in my size. Score! They were a bit more, but I'm still pleased with the price.

YAY! I got my squiggle wellies! And I just realized they'll look fab with my red trench!

The PGP fell in love with a bin filled with some cute little bags. There wasn't a price, so I told her she could go ask the man herself (she likes being "grown up that way!) So she did, and he told her they were $5, but that he wanted her to have it! Then he even gave her two Melissa key rings, a silver "M" and a white heart. As you can see, she put it to use right away!

I don't know why the flash made it look black, but its actually a lovely plum colour. Note the key rings, and how she put it to use straight away! My little fashion lover! (You can see her camera, she was also snapping pics like mad, I'll have to get her to upload them as I'm curious what she found so interesting!)

I stupidly put back two pairs of the sample sized flats, which on the way home I did a palm to forehead "duh" as I've been wanting to get a pair that I could toss in my bag to keep for those days when the heels get to be too much. These would be perfect as they won't get as destroyed as some of the ones I've seen that are being marketed for that purpose. Plus they'd hold up forever, just wipe clean! No biggie, I think I'll be able to hit the sample sale again on the last day, Saturday.

Here is the info in case you are interested in hitting it:

Where/When: 520 W. 27th St., b/t Tenth & Eleventh Aves., Suite 601

Wednesday May 19 through Saturday May 22. (Noon- 8pm)

If you’re not familiar with Melissa brand, its from Brazil. The shoes are made out of recyclable materials, including Melflex, which is a type of plastic that provides extra comfort, durability and resistance to water. There are many Vivienne Westwood designs still available, as well as great Melissa styles, though I did notice there were mostly flats.

Oh and they also gave me a beautifully photographed and styled Melissa magazine showing forthcoming styles:

Cover
Dita Von Teese
Dita again, I LOVE these shoes with the cherries! I believe these are another new Vivienne Westwood Dragon Lady design.

I believe these are yet another new Vivienne Westwood design
Ah, look at these bejeweled beauties!
I quite like those oxfords!
I'm not a flats kind of girl, but can you imagine leaving flowery footprints? How girly! Not to mention stunning!
Ah, now these I could go for big time!
Melissa magazine photos courtesy of Melissa.

We rounded the evening out going to The Cowgirl Hall of Fame for dinner, which was our old haunt when I had my shop just up the street. This was actually the very first restaurant the PGP had been to when only days old, and we've gone many times over the years so she loves it. And of course we had to take a peek to see what was going on with my old space, and its yet again changed hands. Oh well, I don't suppose anyone will be able to make a 10 year run now that the neighborhood has become Marc Jacobs central :snicker: Its terribly sad to see how the neighborhood has changed and there's no more character, only high-end shops selling boring clothing. Ah for the days of diversity and funky little mom and pop shops!

So did you go the sample sale? What did you get? Do you plan on going? Anyone fancy going with me on Saturday? Just let me know in the comments, or email me at punk.glam.queen at gmail dot com.

Cheers!

London Dreaming

I had iTunes playing randomly, and "Kiss Me Deadly" by Gen X came up. Its a very obvious London song, but it always reminds me of all the fun I've had there over the years... and also makes me dream about my next visit! Look at snot-nosed Billy Idol, when he really rocked!



Cheers!

DIY Ice Cream Sandwich, Yum!

This is pretty easy, and extremely tasty! Just take two cookies (I used chocolate chip) and fill with ice cream. If you'd like you can roll the edges in sprinkles or other ice cream toppings (mine is toasted coconut.) Et voila! A yummy treat that you can easily make yourself!

Cheers!