vintage books: The Dud Avocado (1958)

I will try to follow this like a series of vintage book reviews (anything before the 70s) as I think it is an interesting and real aspect of the culture of the time. I don't know how often I will be able to keep this series, but I will definitely give it a good try!

The Dud Avocado is a delightful book that I wish I had read earlier in my life. It is the fun story of Sally Jay, coming of age American girl who moves to Paris for 2 years to live la vie en rose. It is loosely based on the author's life, Elaine Dundy, and I wish to read her two other books (if only I could manage to get my claws on them). Sally Jay is not a character, she became my friend, telling me all her adventures, successes and disasters included. I did wish I could keep on reading it for longer, I didn't want to depart from her stories! 

I love it for a book written in the 50's to discuss female sexual desires and casual relationships from a woman's point of view, not only the lovey-dovey or tragedy stories. Elaine Dundy certainly was ahead of her times, or we just don't have too many examples like her still reaching out to us after 50 years. 

I would recommend this book to anyone wishing for a bit of fun! And if you've been to Paris is even better because you can relate to the places mentioned and have a great big image of the scenes in your head.

Masami Nagasawa "More" Jan scans

Scans from the January issue of the Japanese magazine "More" featuring Masami Nagasawa. Anyone who used to visit my blog a couple of years ago will know how much I love this girl. In case you don't know yet, let me tell you, I love her to pieces. I really do. At times it is more of a sort of obsession and every day I live on Masami. Other times it is more like a secret love sleeping quietly, until the obsession strikes again. Why? I can't really explain it myself, I guess she's just my type. I can't think of anyone cuter than Masami. My little brain seriously thinks she's the cutest person ever and I go on about to all my friends for hours and every one gets sick of listening to me, especially because most of them don't share my opinion! Ha! 

I'll admit this shoot isn't one of her best, but I love it all the same because I'm that biased!

Fashion Show

 

 coat - 60's vintage

dress -Miss Vintage

 cardigan & blouse - Topshop

bag - vintage

shoes - vintage Ferragamo

Last week we've been to our friend's small fashion show around Whitechapel. It was very cool and I could meet loads of friends. One of my friends was playing Sunra, which I had never heard before, but I loved it! Must chase it on youtube. 

On other news, I got a new phone and started to play with different apps, hence the above collages :)

Canal 125

Freddie Knit Top - Collectif

Trousers - Pendleton deadstock from SpanoVintage

Loafers - japanese from Emoda

Last Saturday it was our friend's birthday at Canal 125. It was a great night, despite the change of venues at the last minute, full of lovely and cool 60s loving people. The music was fantastic with the regular RnB 123 DJ's, of course, and although dance floor space was limited (so many people showed up), everyone couldn't help but dance! Lovely atmosphere as always in the mod's London scene, every one's always friendly and you can't help but feeling like you can depend on the person you've just met 2 minutes ago, fantastic!

I went quite casual really, though most people dressed up for the occasion, and the picture above is from right before we went out. I got some pictures of the night but they are so dark, I don't think it is worth sharing here...

Marriage Italian Style ~ 1964

*i do not take credit for any of the pictures, everything found via google*

I absolutely loved this filmed. I watched it for the first time a couple of years ago, it was my first Sophia Loren film. She is so beautiful, sexy and above all, such a talented lady it makes me a die hard fan. If you ever watched over 3 Sophia Loren films then you will know how incredible good she is at acting. Sure, not all of her films were fantastic, some of them were actually quite boring, but her acting was always top notch. She can play any role, it amazes me every time.

Marriage Italian Style is like a life long story of a woman, a prostitute, and man, a regular don juan. The struggles and length a woman has to go through in life until she finally gets what she wants and deserves, what always was promised but it took so long to arrive. It is a must watch classic, top performance by both Loren and Marcello Mastroianni.