Bombshell Update...

I have received the first copy of the Bombshell's Manual of Style and finished it already. I love, love, loved it! I feel totally validated by that book, and justified in wearing false eyelashes everyday. The book says that is something Bombshells do. You never know who you might see on an ordinary day, like the day I ran into Billy Idol outside my work.

I recall when telling Rachelle about my chance encounter, she quipped, "I will never make fun of you wearing false eyelashes and a flower in your hair everyday, ever again"

My favorite perfume, the only one I wear, was also one of the perfumes the manual says Bombshells wear, Gardenia Passion by Annik Goutal.

A bombshell also has overcome a difficult past or tragedy. Someday I might share with you what tragedy I've endured, but I prefer to leave the past in the past.

If you are interested in this fabulous read, go ahead and reply to my giveaway blog Right Here.

Time for me to slip into something more "comfortable."

My first Give-away!

Last week, I was reading Lola Devlin's Blog, My High Heeled Darling, when she quoted something from a book she has, The Bombshells Manual of Style. I totally related and embraced this philosophy and have decided that my first give away will be a copy of this book by Lauren Stover.

Here's a little trinket of wisdom that I'm re-posting, courtesy of Lola:
"A bombshell is full of contradictions. She is a combustible blend of confidence and vulnerability. Sauce & naivete. She wears high heels but kicks them off at every opportunity. Adores negligees & charmeuse gowns but can't wait to get out of them. She always expects to run into someone who matters, even if she's home alone. A bombshell never dresses carelessly & wear marabou mules around the house...."

Here is how you can win this bible to being glamorous:
Blog about the Give-away.
Comment on this blog
Follow my blog

Pretty easy? You will get one entry for each thing you do and I will announce the winner on Thursday, January 27 by picking a name out of a hat. I just ordered 2 books from Amazon (one for me and one for the winner), so they should be here by the end of the contest.

Good Luck Bombshells!

Cool give-away at Dolly Cool Clare!

Go check it out and follow her if you don't already. Dolly Cool Clare

Viva tip 3! Eating....

Bloody Mary's are the only alcoholic drinks that can be considered a meal while you are at Viva, so you need to remember to EAT. At times I get so busy, running around and planning what I'm going to do and what I'm going to see, I forget to plan meals.

Because there is so much to do, so many people at the Orleans, and I am always trying not to miss anything,  the first thing I do in the morning is order breakfast room service. I can hop in the shower and start my beauty ritual and the food usually comes before I'm finished. It helps economize on time and I don't suddenly get hungry and grumpy in the middle of the car show. You can either charge, charge to your room or pay cash when the food arrives. Don't forget to tip, they spread the word around who is tipping and you will get better service.

The Orleans is equipped with a few restaurants and a food court. There is a TGIFriday's, and typical chain eateries. The coffee shop isn't so bad, and there is a swank joint called "The Prime Rib Loft", Big Al's Oyster Bar, New Orleans style dining at Canal Street, Coasta Cantina, French Market Buffet, and Koji Sushi Bar and Chinese Food. Personally, I've never eaten any place but the Buffet, Coffee Shop or TGIFridays. The truth is, I don't want to take the time for a fancy dinner away from my fun.

When to eat is as important as what you eat. Eating at off hours will help minimize your delay for your meal. I find that dinner at 9 or 10 makes the wait and serve time quicker. When you eat at regular meal hours, you are sometimes waiting in line for 45 minutes. Late lunch or early dinner around 3 works, and then at midnight you can grab something at the coffee shop.

If you are not from the southwest of the United States, you have to stop at In n Out Burger. They are pretty close to the Orleans, maybe even walking distance. Something about their sauce, or the fresh cut fries, not sure which, makes me hungry thinking about it.

If you are planning some fancy night out on the Strip during Viva, expect to spend some big $$$. Vegas is not the town of deals anymore. It has become the town of spoiled trust fund brats and Jersey Shore types who want to max their credit card on "Bottle Service." Also, you will miss something, so plan on staying after or arriving early to visit the strip.

Road Zombie's 5th Annual Car Club Appreciation night!

Last night the Road Zombies hosted their 5th Annual Car Club Appreciation night. Every year, the Road Zombies host this incredible dinner for Car Clubs (and one social club, the Bombshells) followed by music and opening the doors to the public. There was great food, great music, and good times to be had with good people. The event was held at the famous 23 Club in Brisbane California, just south of San Francisco. The 23 Club has been host to old Country Music performers since the 40s, with a location very close to the Cow Palace. I snapped some fun photos from the night.

Bombshells Monica and Mari, Monica's friend Danielle, and I

 Bombshells with my Imaginary Husband

 The food!

 Hell's Belles Car Club

Group photo of various presidents holding their jackets

Lots of people having a good time!

 The Stillmen Reunited to play the show

 There was dancing!

 

My purchase for today...Trashy Diva

I haven't bought much repro since I lost weight. Mostly because I can actually fit into CUTE vintage clothes now. I went trolling some of the repro websites today, Daddy-os, My Baby Jo, and Trashy Diva. I found some adorable dresses on sale for $50. I picked up this one:

This adorable halter dress comes with a matching bolero. There are Rhinestones in the halter and on the lapels of the bolero. How effing cute, right? Go check them out. Trashy Diva sizes run big so be sure to check the dress you like in the size chart before you order.

Viva tip 2....what should you bring?

As some veterans of Viva do, I shop for Viva all year long. I am always looking for a "WOW" dress that I call a "Viva Dress." I always have many contenders, and the choice is difficult. Despite what some people believe, you can wear the same dress twice at Viva, but I like to skip at least a year between wearing it again. Memorable dresses are that, memorable.

Now we are going to talk about packing and what you want to bring. For those flying, the baggage limits in place now make it harder to bring everything you want, so you have to economize. About a month before Viva I make a list of everything I want to bring, and having the philosophy that I would rather have it and not need it, than need it and not have it, I drove to Vegas last year.

Lets talk about the things you will need to bring with you, or the things I bring:
1. Day outfit for each day you will be there. This can be as casual as jeans or as dressy as a vintage sundress. Whatever you are comfortable in.
2. Cocktail dresses for each night. Saturday is traditionally the fanciest night, but I like to dress up every night and often don't decide which is the Saturday outfit until Friday or Saturday that I am there. If you want to buy a really special repro dress, check out this website: Whirlingturban. Whirlingturban makes custom fit vintage reproductions where you can pick your own fabric, or you can browse the pre-made dresses in the boutique. Of all the reproduction companies out there, Whirlingturban uses the most vintage like fabrics and techniques in the construction of their garments.
3. Bring at least 2 pairs of Jeans. I sometimes bring 3, since I change into them late at night to dance at the record hops.
4. T-shirts or casual tops. Rockabilly band shirts, striped t-shirts, custom car shop shirts and cute vintage blouses will go well with the jeans.
5. Something to sleep in, unless you are with your man and have kids and have the opportunity to sleep naked for once!
6. Undergarments, and I don't just mean panties and bras. Be sure that if you have some special dresses that you also have the proper foundation garments to go under them. I bring a Spanx, long line bra, strapless bra and open bottom girdle and stockings. Socks if you plan on wearing sneakers!
7. Shoes! I try to pack shoes that can be worn with more than one dress, but last year I failed at that and wore different shoes with each dress. Don't forget sneakers and some cute sandals to wear at the car show and with jeans.
8. It is good to bring one jacket if you plan on leaving the casino. Vegas in April is unpredictable. Sometimes very hot and sometimes cold at night.  If you plan on going to Frankie's bring something hawaiian to wear.
9. Swimsuit for the pool party. This year the pool party is every day, so you can bring more than one suit
10.We all need our cosmetics, I recommend bringing the basics and some extra flash you wouldn't normally wear, like falsh eyelashes.
11. Hair stuff...your hairbrush, good shampoo (you will be there for 4 nights, at least) hair pins, curling iron and if you drive like me, hot rollers. Bring some extra barrettes and ponytail holders. If you think you are going to do a wet set, put that out of your head. If you are going to wet set your hair while at Viva, you are doing it wrong and should give up your room at the Orleans for a someone who wants to have fun and be up all night dancing. Don't forget hairspray or any other styling products you use. There is a Target located a few blocks away, and you can always cab over if you forget anything.
12 Jewelry! Plan out the jewelry you are going to wear with your dresses. make sure you have something safe to carry it in and bring it in your carry-on. I wear almost all costume jewelry, but I still put it in my carry-on when I fly, just in case.
13. Purses. I bring a few evening bags to match my shoes. Something that will fit my cash, ID, credit card, phone, cigarettes and lighter.
14. Hair accessories. We all like a pretty flower in our hair. If you don't have a cute one for your outfits, you can make one quickly or buy one from the dozens of vendors who sell them.
15. Don't forget Sunscreen! It is essential at the car show.
16. Band-aids and pain reliever may come in handy. Also make-up remover.
17. Camera and extra memory card and the charger.
18. Safety pins for wardrobe malfunctions.
19. Extra dress our outfit in case your wardrobe malfunction can't be repaired with a safety pin. One year the zipper on my dress broke at the car show. I was very fortunate to have one extra outfit to put on so I didn't have to buy one and could still look cute in a dress at the car show.

Don't fret if you forget anything. There are over 100 vendors selling everything from vintage goods to corsets and pomade. Your man can get his hair cut at Rob's Chop Shop and they now have salons doing vintage hair-dos.

If you fly, try to have some extra room in your suitcase for the goodies you will pick up. I hope this has answered some questions to the Viva Virgins, and reminded Veterans not to forget anything.

The King's birthday wrap-up...The Chop Tops!

After my daytime excursions, I went home and got dolled up to go out and see my buds, The Chop Tops playing at the Avalon. It was a huge show with a lineup of 6 bands. I missed the first 2, but got there in time to see Thee Merry Widows.

My friend Deb and I

 

I've known some of the girls in the band since before they started playing and watched them progress. There was a time in the bay area where there were three all girl psychobilly bands, but Thee Merry Widows are the only ones still rockin' out. I helped them get their first gig, opening for Mad Sin in 2003, and seeing them Saturday was a treat. Here are some photos:

I didn't get any photos of the next band up, The Shitkickers. Shitkickers are San Jose favorites, and play the best drinking songs around. I did get a few photos with friends before Hayride to Hell took the stage.

My old friend Perry who I haven't seen in about 6 years

With my buddy Thane

Me and my friend Phil Price

Next up were my homies, Hayride to Hell. I've known the drummer, Joey Myers since 1985 and met the bass player Mal, at the first American Nightmare festival. The singer, John, is from the old days, but we got to know each other much better over the last 8 years. These guys are a tight band, and I love them!

Finally, a band that NEVER disappoints, The Chop Tops! The crowd was ready for them and they were ready for the crowd. The show was at the Avalon in Santa Clara, which is a great venue for this kind of show. It is all ages with a BAR and reminds me of the old Safari Sam's in Hollywood.

After the show, a bunch of us went back to Mal's place. My imaginary husband was with me, but alas, no pics. Here is a picture of Me with my friend Keith I've known for almost 30 years and local funboy Brendan.

Mid-Century by the Bay...Elvis Birthday continued!

I know, three posts in one day, but I think Sunday is the only day I get motivated to post blogs, and I usually have a camera full of photos from the weekend.

I want to continue my day celebrating the King...

While I was at Park Place, a box of books was delivered. Linda said, "Kim, have you seen this book yet?" I look up and recognize the woman who had brought the books in. Her name is Heather David and I met her at a party a few weeks ago. We greet each other and I look at the book titled Mid-Century by the Bay. I immediately pull out my credit card and purchased a copy.

Heather and I chatted a while about the book, reminisced about the departed attractions, and exchanged stories about some of the places in her book. The Winery that was located 1/4 mile from my childhood home is featured on the cover of the book. My brother was kicked out of the fountain in front when he was about 9 years old.

The book has chapters on homes, businesses, schools, attractions, hotels, and all sorts of familar sites around the bay area. I highly recommend this to anyone interested in mid-century architecture. 

While we were chatting, she mentioned she had sold her book to a gentleman in the UK to give to his wife for Christmas. I asked their name, and she told me she thinks the wife's name is "Fiona." Could this be our own "Straight Talkin' Mamma"? I scanned her posts, but didn't see her post her Christmas gifts, so I'll just have to wait and see if she comments on this post.

Here is a picture of Heather signing my book for me

In honor of the King, we had a toast to him holding some pictures that are for sale at the shop

Celebrating Elvis' birthday right!

In honor of the King's birthday, I planned a day to properly observe what should be a national holiday.

The day started out meeting Raul and Kristina at my local lair of lard, Psycho Donuts. I know, I know, it's done in Oregon under the name of "VooDoo Donuts," but we don't have one of those here.

To start the day off right, Raul, Kristina, and I each ordered a "Dead Elvis." A Dead Elvis Donut is filled with banana custard, topped with banana chips, bacon, and drizzled with peanut butter and jelly. Yeah, I'm really gonna get to my goal weight eating THAT.

Psycho Donuts has a cute attraction in the shop, which is a padded booth for photo ops. Since I was documenting the day, we took advantage of it:

Psycho Donuts has art and a gift shop attached. One other cute element is that the shop girls dress like nurses.

Next stop on our excursion was Big Al's Record Barn. Big Al is and old record dealer who was Dorsey Burnette's bodyguard in the 1950s. They have hundreds of thousands, maybe even over a million, records in the cavern of a store. Raul is a DJ so he wanted to go search the bins.

I bought Raul a Christmas present while we were there. Something he can spin at our Friday Night Record Hops. He said he'll dedicate it to me every time he plays it and we'll make people talk.


After a couple hours at Big Al's Raul and Kristina went to get real food and I hit a couple local vintage shops. The last shop I stopped at was Park Place Vintage. I've worked there a few times for Linda, the owner, when she had some sewing projects to do. It's a great little shop.

 Here are some great photos from inside the store

You can visit Park Place's website. I'm not sure how often it is updated, but if you are ever in the Bay Area, it is a most recommended shopping destination! 

There was more celebrating yesterday, but I will finish up after I feed the kids. As it is, this is a pretty long post full of eye candy.