My vintage guide to Belgium - Weggeefwinkel Leuven ( Huisje van Overvloed )

Today I went to the Weggeefwinkel in Leuven and I loved the experience! Weggeefwinkel translates as the Free Shop and the concept is very simple: you give some things you dont need and you take home as many things as you want from the shop, no money involved. The picture above shows all the things I "bought". Everything is in really good shape and for instance the scarf and the white sandals -very 40s style ;) - are unworn. The people working there were very friendly and they sort the goods in categories, fold them and hang the clothes. I was amazed of how clean things were.

This is what their Facebook page says:

Je kan hier kosteloos een object uitkiezen (of enkele) en zelf spulletjes achterlaten waarvan je denkt dat je er iemand anders een plezier mee kan doen.Bedoeling is overvloed te delen, samenhorigheid en sociale contacten te versterken, het milieu te sparen en ... vreugde te brengen! 

Wie kent dat niet? Van die spulletjes die al jaren onaangeroerd in of op de kast staan, zaken waaraan je gehecht bent maar die je nooit gebruikt of cadeautjes waar je niets mee bent. Er is goed nieuws: je kan er iemand anders blij mee maken!!

Breng ze binnen in de weggeefwinkel (kringloopprincipe) en bouw mee aan dit initiatief waar iedereen beter van wordt . 

Iedereen kan iets uitkiezen. Voor een geliefde, voor zichzelf, of zelfs -waarom niet- voor een wildvreemde. Kijk thuis ook even rond of er iets is dat je zelf graag aan iemand anders schenkt. 

Je mag zo vaak komen als je wilt! Je hoeft niets binnen te brengen, om spulletjes mee naar huis te nemen!!!

Translation (not very accurate since my Dutch is not so good): 

You can choose an object here (or a few) and leave some stuff that you think can do someone else a favor. 

The aim is to share, abundance and togetherness, protect the environment and ... to bring joy to others.

The stuff that has been untouched for years in your closet, things you never use or gifts which you dont like. There is good news: you can make someone else happy! 

Bring them inside the free shop (circuit principle) and contribute to this initiative, which benefits everybody. 

Anyone can pick something. For a loved one, for himself, or even, why not? for a stranger. 

You may come as often as you want! You do not need to bring anything in order to take something home!! 

If you live in Leuven or nearby dont hesitate to pass by. Me? Can´t wait for the next one!

Photo Credit: Weggeefwinkel Leuven Facebook Page

WHEN AND WHERE ?

Twice per month. Dates announced on their Facebook Page and their website

Brouwerstraat 47. Leuven, 3000

CONTACT

Facebook Page

Website

Tip: Take your own shopping bag/tote or trolley...

6 SUBTLE WAYS TO GO VINTAGE

Photo Source: Time Archives

Would you like to embrace vintage clothing but don’t know how? Here are 5 subtle ways to add a touch of vintage style to any outfit win your closet.

¿Quieres adentrarte en el mundo de la ropa vintage, pero no sabes cómo? Aquí están 5 maneras de agregar un toque sutil de estilo vintage a cualquier atuendo en tu armario.

There are different styles, so you have you to decide the shape first. I am cat-eye glasses lover but there are other styles like the 40s horn rimmed or the big sixties sunnies a la Jackie O. This is a really easy way of adding some retro twist to your outfit. eBay is a great resource for sunglasses and there is a considerable amount of online shops devoted to retro frames. You can also get your mom´s or grandma´s old glasses and get the cristals replaced.

Hay diferentes estilos, así que tienes que decidir la forma primero. Yo soy amante de los cat eye (ojos de gato) pero hay otros estilos como los de cuerno a los años 40 o los grandísimos de los 60 a la Jackie O. Esta es una manera muy fácil de añadir un poco de toque retro. eBay es una buena fuente de lentes de sol y hay una gran cantidad de tiendas online dedicadas a las monturas retro. También puedes obtenerlos de tu mamá o de la abuela y reemplazar los cristales.

Vintage silk scarves can be easily found in thrift shops or vintage markets. I have several and they are not expensive at all. You can wear them as scarves around your neck, but they also work as a belts, on your hair or hanging from your handbag. 

Los pañuelos de seda vintage se pueden encontrar fácilmente en tiendas de segunda mano o en mercadillos. Tengo varios y no son caros en absoluto. Puede usarlos como bufanda alrededor del cuello, pero también funcionan como cinturón, en el pelo o colgando de tu bolso.

One easy way to introduce to some vintage pieces in your daily outfits is by wearing smart separates - dresses are more difficult to pull off-. One key piece is a pencil skirt since it´s a classic that is appropiate for any era. You can buy cheap old ladies suits and keep the pencil skirts and perhaps wear the jackets with jeans or pants. The key is finding a skirt that fits and with the right lenght, above or below the knee (not longer, not shorter).

Una forma fácil de introducir algunas piezas clásicas en tu ropa de todos los días es comprar piezas separadas - los vestidos son más difíciles de lucir-. Una pieza clave es clásica una falda lápiz. Van con cualquier época. Puedes comprar trajes de damas antiguos y baratos y quedarte con las faldas lápiz y tal vez usar las chaquetas con jeans o pantalones. La clave es encontrar una falda que te quede bien ajusta y con el largo correcto, por encima o por debajo de la rodilla (no más largo, no más corto).

Liquid eyeliner can immediately change you look. Learning how to apply can be tricky, but practice makes perfect. The thing I love the most about liquid eyeliner is that I dont have to over-make up my eyes because the line is enough. With some practice you´ll get the perfect "Italian eyes" look.

El delineador líquido puede cambiar de inmediato tu look. Aprender a aplicarlo puede ser complicado, pero con la práctica queda perfecto. Lo que más me gusta sobre el delineador líquido es que no tengo que sobre-compensar mis ojos con más maquillaje porque la línea es suficiente. Con un poco de práctica, podrás tener el look perfecto de los"ojos italianos".

In my opinion, every woman should have at least one red lipstick shade in her make up case. Red can be worn during the day and at night. Red is flattering and feminine but you need to look for a shade that compliments your skin tone.

En mi opinión, cada mujer debe tener al menos un lápiz labial rojo en su portacosméticos. El rojo se puede usar durante el día y por la noche. El rojo es favorecedor y femenino pero hay que buscar un color que complemente el tono de piel.

Go for vintage earrings, handbags and brooches. Grandmas are good sources for these or simply vintage shops. Start with wearing simple pieces and add a special touch with the accesories. For example, an LBD with statement vintage earrings or a blazer with a nice brooch. 

Busca zarcillos, bolsos y broches vintage. Las abuelas son buenas fuentes de estos o simplemente tiendas vintage. Empieza usando piezas sencillas y añade un toque especial con los accesorios. Por ejemplo, un vestidito negro básico con zarcillos vintage o una chaqueta con un bonito broche.

You can determine how far you want to go by getting a great hairdo. 40s and 50s hairstyles are big statements but you can start with beehives and Bardot/messy hair or classic french twist. Hairstyling may seem daunting but I went from not knowing how to untangle my hair to Victory Rolls and bumper bangs. All you need is practice. Do you see yourself adding some vintage touches to your outfits?

Puedes determinar qué tan lejos quieres ir si te haces un peinado. L os peinados de los 40 y 50 son  grandes declaraciones, pero se puede empezar con las colmenas y el pelo Bardot/al descuido o un clásico french twist. Peinarse puede parecer complicado, pero yo pasé de no saber cómo desenrredarme el pelo a hacerme Victory Rolls y bumper bangs. Todo lo que se  necesita es práctica. ¿Te ves a tí misma añadiendo algunos toques vintage a tus atuendos?

On why I wear summer dresses all year round, wellies and headpieces

Photo by: Juan de los Mares Fotografía

I´ve been asked different kinds of questions regarding my style and it is simply difficult to answer when you feel the rest do not "get it". I come from a very homogeneous country where most  girls want to look like the Kardashians and now I live in a country in which make up and dressing up is not the rule. It is undeniable that both this aspects have an influence on the way I look but on the other hand, I find my ways to separate myself from whats around me. 

Here in Belgium, and in Venezuela, it can be difficult to be yourself. We have magazines, television shows, and even friends telling us what we should look like and what is more accepted. My problem is that if I pick up a magazine, the women shown there are not like me. I also must admit that I've always had a soft spot for fur trimmings and color -especially red that now has a political connotation in Venezuela-  but until a few years ago, told myself it was wrong not to enjoy clothes that I like.

As I said I like fur, wellies, silly patterns and headpieces. Those things might not be the latest fashion magazine trends but in my little world of summer dresses all year round, they look good. My interest for vintage clothes comes from refusing to wearing skinny jeans and ugg boots with the excuse of staying warm. It is undeniable how glamourous women looked in the bygone eras and that´s something I try to emulate.

It can be hard sometimes. Firstable because it is a lot of work and second, because you´ll have to learn to deal with people staring at you if you're a bit different from everyone else. But if you want to wear ruffles and colors in the winter, do it! Do it sometimes or do it everyday! I try to think that I´m building my own style, and so should you...clothes are not merely protection or a layer to cover our naked bodies, you can make a statement with them, hve fun with them or as I do, create a fantasy world in which I juggle with the midcentury lifestyle and the modern world. 

The reactions are not always negative, I always get approached by older women and I get smiles of approval. My friends understand that I´ve never been a very conventional Venezuelan and sometimes people on the streets look amused by my looks. So, my conclusion is whatever it is you like, do it. I think that at least when I grow older, Ill have nothing to regret when it comes to my sartorial choices, no matter how silly they may look for other people, because I´m having fun while I do it. 

My vintage guide to Belgium - The Atomium & Expo 58

My favorite city landmark in the world is the Atomium of Brussels. It´s shiny, it´s big and it´s mid-century and it has a futuristic look! Whenever I get to see it, I smile. The Atomium was originally constructed for Expo '58, the 1958 Brussels World's Fair as the  main pavillion and icon of the event. It was designed by the engineer André Waterkeyn with interiors by architects André and Jean Polak, It´s 102 mts tall and it has nine 18 mts diameter stainless steel spheres to form the shape of a unit cell/ Mi icono de una ciudad favorito en el mundo es el Atomium de Bruselas. Es brillante, es grande, es de mediados del siglo XX y tiene un look futurista! Cada vez que lo veo sonrio. El Atomium fue construido originalmente para la Expo ´58, la Feria Mudial de Bruselas de 1958 como el pabellón principal e icono del evento. Fue diseñado por el ingeniero André Waterkeyn con interiores de los arquitectos André y Jean Polak. Mide 102 mts de altura y tiene nueve esfera de acero inoxidable de 18 mts de diámetro para formar una célula   

The Atomium is open to the public and houses a permanent exhibition about the Expo 58 on two floors. 

The interiors are a midcentury glory, from its stairs, to the elevator -the fastest in the world at the time- and decor. The Expo 58 exhibition includes photographs and models to illustrate the event. It is certainly worth going - although the tickets are not that cheap-/ El Atomium está abierto al público y alberga una exposición permanente sobre la Expo 58 en dos plantas. Los interiores son una gloria de mediados de siglo, desde sus escaleras, el ascensor, el más rápido en el mundo en ese momento-y la decoración. La exposición sobre la Expo 58 incluye fotografías y maquetas que ilustran el evento. Sin duda vale la pena ir - a pesar de que las entradas no son tan baratas.

What´s interesting is that The Atomium was not intended to survive beyond the 1958 World Fair but its popularity and success soon made it a landmark of the city/Lo que es interesante es que el Atomium no estaba destinado a sobrevivir más allá de la Feria Mundial de 1958, pero su popularidad y éxito pronto lo convirtieron en el símbolo de la ciudad.

TINE INSIDETHE ATOMIUM/ THE ELEVATOR/ ME FLAUNTING IT ON THE STAIRCASE

THAT´S HOW THE EXPO LOOKED LIKE.

On 17th April 1958, the last universal world fair organised by Belgium was inaugurated on the Heysel site in Brussels. The Atomium has acquired 27 original or contemporary models representing different pavilions from Expo 58. These have been restored and created by Ghent University using archived documents to make sure the reconstructions were faithful to the originals/El 17 de abril de 1958, la última feria mundial universal organizada por Bélgica se inauguró en el sitio de Heysel, en Bruselas. El Atomium ha adquirido 27 modelos originales o contemporáneos que representan diferentes pabellones de la Expo 58. Estos han sido restaurados y creados por la Universidad de Gante utilizando documentos archivados para asegurarse de que las reconstrucciones fueron fieles a los originales.

Using archived documents, photographs and videos from the era as well as countless models, this exhibition will take visitors on a journey back in time to this unforgettable, breathtaking event. For some, this is the perfect opportunity to rediscover this enchanting experience; for others, who know nothing about Expo 58 and its passion for progress, this is a chance to learn about this magical time which still infuses the Atomium with its energy (text taken from the website http://www.atomium.be/)/Usando documentos archivados, fotografías y videos de la época, así como un sinnúmero de modelos, esta exposición llevará a los visitantes a un viaje en el tiempo a este inolvidable evento . Para algunos, esta es la oportunidad perfecta para descubrir esta encantadora experiencia, para otros, que no saben nada acerca de la Expo 58 y su pasión por el progreso, esta es una oportunidad para aprender acerca de este momento mágico que todavía impregna el Atomium con su energía (texto tomado de la http://www.atomium.be/).

HOW TO GET THERE:
The Atomium is located in the Northern part of the city of Brussels, a 5 minute walk from the Heysel / Heizel metro station (line 6) and right opposite Mini-Europe.
From the De Brouckère metro station (near the Bourse and the Grand Place):
> take line 1, heading to the Gare de l'Ouest / Weststation
> get off at Beekkant
> change line at Beekkant 
> take line 6, heading to Roi Baudouin / Koning Boudewijn
> get off at Heysel / Heizel
Approximate journey time: 15 minutes.
 
 
 From the Gare du Midi (Brussels South train station):
> take line 6, heading to Roi Baudouin / Koning Boudewijn
> get off at Heysel / Heizel
 Approximate journey time: 15 minutes.

SOME ADS...

Grooming tips from Flight Attendants

I always secretly wanted to be a flight attendant. I dreamed about traveling around the globe perfectly attired but I was not skinny enough, tall enough, etc... I came across this picture on Jessica´s blog, Chronically Vintage, and it inspired me to think about the requirements for flight attendants in the past and now.

Siempre quise secretamente ser tripulante de cabina. Soñaba con viajar por el mundo perfectamente arreglada pero no era lo suficientemente delgada, alta, entre otras cosas. Encontre esta foto en el blog de Jessica, Chronically Vintage y me inspiró para pensar acerca de los requisitos de las aeromozas en el pasado y en la actualidad. 

The show Pan Am has also sparked my imagination and I asked myself if its really depicting the role of a stewardess back in the 60s. I read an article in which one former flight attendant explains that the pre-flight weigh-ins and grooming inspections depicted on the show were true-to-life (including the girdle check).

El show Pan Am también me ha disparada la imaginación y me he preguntado a mi misma si de verdad retratan el rol de las aeromozas en los 60s. Leí un artículo en el cual una de las ex-empleadas explica que la rutina de pesarlas antes de los vuelos y las inspecciones de que se presentan en el show son verdaderas (incluyendo la revisión de la faja-liguero).

 

Flight attendants in training learning grooming techniques at Flight Attendant College in Texas in 1958.

At the same college, the flight attendants perform exercises during a class. 

A 1958 commencement ceremony for stewardess. Read more: http://www.businessinsider.com/vintage-american-airlines-pictures-2011-11?op=1#ixzz29fsi4GDN

The industry has changed and stewardesses are now known as cabin crew or flight attendants. The traveling experience is not the same (for better or worse), i.e. luggage restrictions, non smoking policies, high security standards, tracksuit wearers flooding airports, overbookings, crocs, long queues and low budget airlines. The postive side of this is that traveling is more accesible now than it has ever been but were lacking of the adventurous and glamourous aspect fo traveling and the VIP treatment that passengers used to receive. However, I found the American Airlines Image Standards from 2011 and to be honest requirements havent changed that much. Low budget airlines like Ryanair or Easy Jet have completely different standards and lets say that flight attendants dont look so well put-together as they should. Virgin Airlines has the hottest flight attendants according to several polls and their secret is they understand that image is part of their costumer service. They have hairdressers and stylists to train the cabin crew and they have a manual that looks more like a magazine than a brochure. And, They finish the whole look with red lips and matching red pumps.

La industria ha cambiado y las aeromozas ahora se conocen como tripulantes de cabina. La experiencia de viajar no es la misma (para mejor o peor), eso quiere decir, restricciones en el equipaje, políticas anti-tabaco, latos estándares de seguridad, gente que usa conjuntos deportivos en el aeropuerto, crocs, sobreventa, largas filas y aerolíneas económicas. Lo positivo de ésto es que el viajar se ha vuelto más accesible pero ahora nos hace falta el aspecto glamouroso y aventurero de viajar y el tratamiento VIP que los pasajeros solían recibir. Sin embargo, Encontré los estandares de imagen de American Airlines del 2011 y debo ser honesta en que los requerimientos no han cambiado mucho. Las aerolínea economicas como Ryanair o Easy Jet tienen estándares completamente diferentes y digamos que no se ven tan arregladas como deberían. Virgin Airlines tiene las aeromozas más atractivas de acuerdo con varias encuestas y su secreto es que entienden que la imagen es parte de su servicio al cliente. Tienen estilistas y peluqueros que entrenan a las tripulantes de cabina y su manual parece mas una revista que un folleto. Completan el look con labios rojos y tacones rojos que combinan.

My beloved Dita Von Teese was the face of Virgin Airlines. 

After reading a couple of articles what I´ve learned from them is/ Después de leer un par de artículos lo que aprendí fue: 

 - Exfoliate the night before you fly and apply a heavy moisturizer in-flight. Exfoliate la noche antes de volar y aplicar un humectante espeso durante el vuelo. 

 -Apply bronzer with a small brush. A big brush means you can't control the product, and you could end up with it all over your collar. Same goes for blush. If it's too big, your face will look flushed rather than glowing/ Aplicate el bronceador con una brocha pequeña. Una brocha grande significa que no se puede controlar el producto, y puedes temrinar con el sobre el cuello. Lo mismo aplica para el blush. Si es muy grande tu cara quedará muy roja en vez de con brillo. 

 —If you can't rub your cuticles with oil daily, every time you put some lip balm on, place some around your nails to keep them soft and pliable/ Si no puedes poner aceite en tus cutículas todos los días, cada vez que que te pongas bálsamo en los labios, ponte un poco sobre tus uñas. Las mantendrá suaves y flexibles.

 —Put your fragrance on before your jewelry—or your wet perfume could corrode it/ Ponte la fragancia antes que la bisutería- o tu perfume la corroerá. 

 —Stop static by rubbing a wire coat hanger over your clothes and your hair. (What? Really? We have to try this one to see if it really works.)/  Evita la estática al pasarte un gancho de ropa sobre tu ropa y cabello. (En serio? Esto hay que probarlo).

 -Red lips suit every skin color- It´s just a matter of finding the right shade for you-/ Los labios rojos quedan bien con cualquier color de piel. Lo importante es conseguir el tono apropiado para ti. 


 This commercial from Virgin might be taking the word hot to a different level and it´s even considered sexist but they´re definitely using their reputation to attract costumers...


 

HOW TO SPOT VINTAGE CLOTHES - the mini crash course

I´m certainly not an expert at dating vintage clothes but I´ve read a lot about it and I´ve learned useful tips, so I compiled a few rules to help you out next time you go on a thrifting adventure. Garage sales, vintage shops, street markets, charity shops and even your grandma´s closet are good resources for vintage clothes but it seems like 80s/90s clothes are the most common to be found. I hope next time they don´t fool you ;)/ Seguramente no soy una experta en calcular la edad de la ropa vintage pero he leído mucho sobre eso y he aprendido consejos útiles, así que he recopilado unas cuantas reglas para ayudarte la próxima vez que vayas a aventurarte a comprar ropa vintage. Las ventas de garaje, tiendas vintage, mercados callejeros, tiendas de caridad y hasta el armario de tu abuela son un buen recurso para la ropa de época, pero parece que la ropa  de los 80s y 90s son las que se encuentran más comunmente. Espero que la próxima vez no te engañen ;)

 

Look for a metal zipper, with a flat large pull and large teeth. Sometimes zippers were painted to match the color of the dress. Keep in mind that before the late fifties, zippers were considered “sexually explicit” and were not used before then. A metal or aluminum zipper is usually a good indicator that you found a pre-1960s garment while nylon zippers are usually 60s and onward. The location is also important: Zippers were usually put in the side seams of dresses, skirts and pants from the late 50s til the early 60s. From the 60s and onward, zippers were mostly used in the center back of dresses and skirts and the center front of pants.But, Remember that zippers can easily be replaced so look for other hints/ Mira si el cierre es de metal, con el  pasador grande y plano y con dientes grandes. A veces, las cremalleras se pintaban para que coincidieran con el color del vestido. Ten en cuenta que antes de finales de los cincuenta, los cierres se consideraban "sexualmente explícitos" y no se utilizaban antes. Un cierre de metal o aluminio suele ser un buen indicador de que has encontrado un  vestido pre-1960, mientras que los de nylon suelen ser de los 60 en adelante. La ubicación es también importante: los cierres se ponían generalmente en las costuras laterales de vestidos, faldas y pantalones de finales de los 50 - principios de los 60. A partir de los años 60 y en adelante, los cierren se empiezan a utilizar sobre todo en el centro de la espalda de los vestidos y las faldas y en el centro de la parte delantera de los pantalones.Pero, recuerda que los cierres se pueden sustituir fácilmente, así que a buscar otras pistas.

Best way to know if a garment is vintage or not is looking at the label (without the exception of hand-made items). Vintage tags are home-made looking mostly stiched (and not screen printed)and they obviously look aged. Pay attention to washing care instructions. If your garment has a washing care label then it´s an item for the 70s and onward because these tags were only made compulsory in the 1970s in the UK and US and later everywhere else in the world. But if you can read the label-name on your dress’s tag, google it! I bet you will find some info about the brand/ La mejor manera de saber si una prenda es vintage o no, es mirando la etiqueta (a excepción de los artículos hechos a mano). Las etiquetas vintage se ven más "hechas en casa" y casi siempre bordadas (y no serigrafiadas) y, obviamente, lucen envejecidas. Presta atención a las instrucciones de lavado. Si la prenda tiene una etiqueta de lavado, entonces es un artículo de los años 70 y en adelante, ya que estas etiquetas sólo se hicieron obligatorios en la década de los 70 en el Reino Unido y los EE.UU. y posteriormente en el resto del mundo. Pero si puedes leer la etiqueta de tu vestido, googléalo!  Apuesto a que va a encontrar algo de información acerca de la marca.

Also one good way to point out vintage clothes is to turn it inside out and check the seams. Many vintage-dresses don’t have lining because back in the day women wore more underdresses and slips therefore linings weren’t needed. In 20s, 30′s 40′s and even on 50′s many clothes were made by individual seamstresses ( specially in Venezuela/South America). Clothing industry wasn’t that big yet and they were expensive. Also industrial type of overlock machines were not much used yet. It wasn’t until 1960′s when overlock machines/sergers for home use were developed. That’s why many vintage clothes have only zigzag stitch on seam edges or even handsewn edging/ Otra buena manera de determinar si es verdaderamente ropa vintage  o no es volteando la prenda y ver las costuras. Muchos vestidos de época no tienen forro porque las mujeres usaban más fondos y medio-fondos así que los forros no eran necesarios. En los años 20, 30, 40 e incluso en los años 50 muchas prendas eran hechas por costureras (especialmente en Venezuela / América del Sur). La confección industrial  no era tan grande todavía y por ello eran más caros. Además, las máquinas filadoras (orilladoras) de tipo industrial no se utilizaban mucho todavía. No fue sino hasta 1960, cuando estas máquinas fueron desarrolladas para uso doméstico. Es por eso que mucha ropa de época sólo tienen puntadas de zig-zag en los bordes o inclusive puntadas a mano.    

Most 40s and 50s items are made or rayon, cotton, wool or linen. It wasn’t until the 1960s and 70s that polyester (first known as Dacro) became common. Additionally, spandex was not invented until 1959 and was not commonly used until the 70s and 80s. Additionally, elastic was not often used in waists. Keep in mind that clothes were mainly homemade and therefore custom made so elastic waists were not necessary. You’ll find a handful of 1960s and 70s dresses with elastic, but it usually means the item is from the 80s or later. Take a look at the colors. Are they pastel with geometric patterns? Probably 80s. Are they bold neons with hippie flowers? 60s. Is it classy and elegant? 40s -50s. But never ever depend solely on this/ La mayoría de los artículos de los años 40 y 50 eran de rayón, algodón, lana o lino. No fue sino hasta la década de 1960 y 70 que el poliéster (primero conocido como Dacro) se convirtió en algo común. Además, el spandex no se inventó hasta 1959 y no fue utilizado comúnmente hasta los años 70 y 80. Por otra parte, las elásticas en la cintura no eran de uso frecuente . Ten en cuenta que las prendas eran hechas por costureras en la mayoría de los casos y por lo tanto, hechas a la medida, así que las cinturas elásticas no eran necesarias. Se pueden encontrar  vestidos con elástica de los 60 y 70 , pero por lo general significa que el artículo es de los años 80 o después. Echa un vistazo a los colores. ¿Son pastel con motivos geométricos? Probablemente, 80. ¿Son neones con flores hippie? 60. Es elegante? 40s-50s. Pero recuerda que no depende sólo de esto.

DO YOU HAVE TIPS TO SHARE? WRITE A COMMENT IF YOU DO/ ¿Tienes tips para compartir? ESCRIBE UN COMENTARIO

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Vintage Oscars . my favorite shots

1. The 11th Academy Awards (1939). Best Actor Spencer Tracy ("Boys Town") and Best Actress Bette Davis ("Jezebel"). Her dress says I´m a superstar. Love it! 2. The 9th Academy Awards (1937). Best Supporting Actor Walter Brennan (“Come and Get It”) and Best Supporting Actress Gale Sondergaard (“Anthony Adverse”). The dress code for the Oscars had not been established back then altough her ensemble is not very formal, I like the flower motif. 3.The 12th Academy Awards (1940). Best Supporting Actress Hattie McDaniel (“Gone with the Wind”) and presenter Fay Bainter. The first African American to win an Academy Award. R E S P E C T. 4. The 11th Academy Awards (1939). Walt Disney receives one statuette and seven miniature statuettes from Shirley Temple for "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Shirley looks as cute as always with that peter pan collar and the curls. 1. The 21st Academy Awards (1949). Best Actress Jane Wyman (“Johnny Belinda”). She proved white and simple can be elegant and make an statement - right gwyneth? -. 2. The 13th Academy Awards (1941). Best Actress Ginger Rogers ("Kitty Foyle") and Best Actor James Stewart ("The Philadelphia Story"). Frilly dresses were her signature. 3. The 18th Academy Awards (1946). Joan Crawford was nominated as best actress for Mildred Pierce but she didn’t want to face losing so she claimed she was ill with flu. She sent her make-up artist and hair stylist to the ceremony in case she won, which she did. Immediately, the statuette was sent to her hospital, closely followed by photographers. There she posed for pictures. They stole the next day’s front pages and upstaged everyone else who won that night. Drama Queen. 4. The 16th Academy Awards (1944). Best Music Score Alfred Newman ("The Song of Bernadette"). Classic pinstripes 1. The 24th Academy Awards (1952). Best Actor Humphrey Bogart ("The African Queen") with Claire Trevor. Bogart looking good as always and Claire Trevor´s look is dreamy. 2. The 23rd Academy Awards (1951). Best Sound Recording winner Thomas T. Moulton ("All about Eve") with Marilyn Monroe. Does it need a caption? the picture is all about her. 3. The 20th Academy Awards (1948). Darryl F. Zanuck ("Gentlemen's Agreement"), Best Actress Loretta Young ("The Farmer's Daughter"), Best Actor Ronald Colman ("A Double Life"). Just look at her hair: perfection. Like the mustaches the guys are sporting. 4.The 24th Academy Awards (1952). Best Costume Design Edith Head ("A Place in the Sun"). She won several awards as a costume desginer and created the Oscars´ dress code. Not the prettiest but always well dressed. 1. The 26th Academy Awards (1954). Best Actress Audrey Hepburn ("Roman Holiday"). I´m not a fan of Hepburn, her thick eyebrowns and flat chest make me really nervous but this dress is just perfect. 2. The 27th Academy Awards (1955). Humphrey Bogart was nominated but Marlon Brando took the award home. His prize was holding Lauren Bacall´s arm. Everything about her outfit screams movie star. Love the details of the dress. 3. The 31st Academy Awards (1959). Best Actor David Niven ("Separate Tables") and Best Actress Susan Hayward ("I Want To Live!"). He has the face of a movie star. 4. The 30th Academy Awards (1958). Best Supporting Actress Miyoshi Umeki ("Sayonara").She was the first Asian performer to win an Oscar and wore a kimono for the ceremony. I think she looked amazing.

Carnival in Koln

I know it´s not Rio and it´s cold but Carnival in Cologne was awesome. This is the biggest carnival party in Europe and it attracts visitors from different countries. It was cool to see germans going crazy, having fun and dancing. The city itself -or what I had the chance to see- looks pretty good and the parade went through different parts of it. I was lucky enough to find a couple of Spanish girls (Monica and Sonia), a Spanish guy (Jose) and Martin, the tour guide, to spend the day with. I couldnt ask for better company, we had a blast. / Yo sé que no es Rio y es frio pero el Carnaval de Colonia fue increible. Este es el carnaval mas grande de Europa y atrae turistas de diferentes paises. Fue agradable ver a los alemanes vueltos locos, divirtiendose y bailando. La ciudad en si - o lo que tuve chance de ver- se ve bastante bien y la comparsa recorre varias partes de la misma. Fui lo suficientemente afortunada de encontrar a dos chicas españolas (Monica y Sonia), un chico español (Jose) y Martin, el guia del tour,para pasar el dia. No pude pedir mejor compañia porque la pasamos buenisimo.

They have all sorts of traditions like asking for kisses, satirical floats with the faces of the most important politicians and a special bread in the shape of a clown, among others. Martin tried to teach us some words. For example when someone says “Kölle" we had to say "Alaaf” and to ask for candies we had to say something similar to caramelo in spanish./ en el carnaval tienen todo tipo de tradiciones, como pedir besos, comparsas satiricas de los politicos mas importantes y un pan especial en forma de payaso, entre otras. Martin trato de enseñarnos algunas palabras. Por ejemplo, cuando alguien dice "Kolle" nosotros teniamos que decir "Alaaf" y para pedir caramelos teniamos que decir algo muy similar a la palabra caramelo en español.

The whole city becomes a big party and germans sing and dance along songs sung in dialects but the nicest thing to see was that people make an effort to come up with creative costumes. / Toda la ciudad se convierte en un gran fiesta y los alemanes cantan y bailan canciones cantadas en dialectos pero lo mas agradable de ver es que la gente de verdad hace un esfuerzo para inventar disfraces creativos.

My costume was "late 50s stewardess" / Mi disfraz fue azafata de finales de los 50. The crew playing the part With Martin, the german clockwork orange and davide vascos y españoles first chocolate I got from the floats!!! merkel Monica y Sonia even the doughnuts were decorated and had alcohol! filled with liqueur costumes I liked, look at Karl Lagerfeld! the girls and Jose a souvenir I got from a random girl on the street