Roaring 20's Trivia: KNEES

Remember the movie, Chicago? 

It may not be historically accurate to a fault. 
But, it is a Hollywood depiction of the Flappers and the time of the Roaring 20's.  So, let's dive right in by listening to the first few lines of the song, "All that Jazz": 

"Come on babe, why don't we paint the town?

And all that jazz.

I'm gonna rouge my knees and roll my stockings down

And all that jazz."

Ok. What's the deal about "rouged knees"?

 . . . Well, I had to find out!

Here are a few quotes from what I found:

"That’s not just a weird lyric — it was a major fad during the Roaring Twenties to rouge one’s knees. While dress hems would hit flappers below the knees, that part of the leg would usually expose itself while they Charlestoned inside dance halls. So by rouging them and rolling their stockings down, it only brought more attention to that illicit flash of skin."

"The 'flappers' were wearing skirts shorter than ever before (hemlines just under the knee were the ’20s version of a miniskirt), they were rolling down their stocking below the knee or giving up on them altogether, and knee rouging became just another way to attract attention to an area of the female body that had never been as visible before."

Then, apparently, it went even one step farther. 

The girls even painted pictures on their knees.

"Rebellious girls in the 1920s wanted to anger and shock their Victorian-era parents, so not only would they bare their knees with short dresses, but they would also paint pictures to make sure an onlooker didn't miss their risque hem length. Rolled stockings became a fad with the shorter hemlines, and girls would go get roses, butterflies, ocean scenes, or their dogs' faces painted on their knees to further push their boundaries."

So, to sum this all up (in 1920's slang)  

Having rouged or painted knees. . .  

Seems to have been the "bee's knees" 

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Research:

https://www.livingly.com/Flappers+Loved+This+Surprising+Act+of+Fashion+Rebellion

https://www.simplemost.com/1920s-beauty-trends

https://www.odditycentral.com/news/hand-painted-knees-a-forgotten-beauty-trend-of-the-1920s.html

This is Me

This is a story about what goes on in my head. It may be interesting to somebody and probably really, really boring to the masses. Yesterday, Russ and I took a long walk and I voiced what was on my mind. Finally, making - what was for me - a tough decision. 

He told me that I should write it down as a "catharsis".  

Here goes: It all started in March when we went into "stay at home" mode. My regular visits to the beach were suddenly literally "illegal"! Traveling was impossible, or at best extremely restricted. So we hunkered down. That time was really weird for most everyone! I got busy sewing - some for charitable efforts, but also planning a collection for a Fall Fashion Show. 

The first Fall Fashion Fiesta was back in November, 2012.

(https://mexiconaomi.blogspot.com/p/fashion-shows.html). 

I sorted through my stash in what I call my "hoarder closet". This is basically an entire room filled with shelves and hanging racks of reclaimed pieces of clothing and fabric. I decided on a theme for a 2020 Fashion Show. It would be the Roaring 20's with bits of Art Nouveau and Art Deco design. I went online, purchasing a few specific pieces to supplement my stash.

Over the course of the hot summer months, I studied the styles, trends and patterns of the 1920's. The Gatsby era and the time of the "flappers" - described best as "young fashionable women known for their wild style, drinking and denial of social norms of the era."

In researching this fashion history, I learned some fun facts and trivia. Using a vintage pattern, I designed the typical 1920's style "one hour dress" (yes, it took me several hours!) 

I found directions for the iconic cloche hat and the quintessential 1920's Cocoon Coat designed by the French designer, Paul Poiret.

By early October, I had a collection that overwhelmed our spare bedroom (which has not had any occupants since January). I have made almost 30 outfits, at least a dozen hats, a load of small purses and bags and a selection of feathery headbands.

Now it was time to invite the support crew and models that I need. 

This is where my brain gets all bungled up. 

Two major character flaws I have are  1) I am stubborn and,  2) I am a "people-pleaser" in the sense that I am (probably, perhaps, just maybe) overly concerned with external input. My decisions often ebb and flow like the tide of the Sea! 

My brain debates with itself, reading and listening to every opinion and trying to see a way to please everyone while not going completely bonkers myself. Such an irksome way to operate.

In sending out requests, I received a dozen positives. "Yes, it sounds fun!" Yay! "Yes let's do this." I am getting totally excited at this point. I will have the best show yet! And, everywhere I am reading opinions that we MUST get back to real life. This living with a "virus-dread" hanging over our head is simply NOT right!

Then, I receive a few other responses.

"Not doing groups right now. I'm a little worried about flu season. 

I have to pass. Sorry."

"I'm not going out in public right now. 

This weekend I lost two people I knew."

"I’m sorry Naomi, I’ll have to pass on this one. 

We’re trying not to work if it’s going to be 

a big crowd, at least until things get a little better."

"This has been a rise and fall of emotions.

I don't want to just give up and just say 

'OK We can't do this' - but I think it's for the best for now. 

No social gatherings."

I complain about my uncertainties to my daughter who lives in California. She laughingly tells me, "Mom, you do realize we are still in the middle of this pandemic, right?"

Back to that other character flaw.... I am stubborn! 

I tell one of my close friends and collaborator that I want to show people my collection! I want people to SEE what I have been working on for the last 7 months. But, we agree that perhaps this may not be the right time. And, I knew it was time to cancel for 2020. 

I am already planning for 2021. 

Trying to embrace the idea of 'flexible'. 

Besides, the 1920's style was an entire DECADE of Fashion! 

I am sure that my brain will not let me believe I made the right decision. I will definitely find myself in that spare room browsing through the outfits, gazing at purses, hats and headbands. I will second-guess myself a hundred times. Because . . . This is me.

I know that almost everything is more important than this decision! However, Thank You to everyone who supports my crazy Fashion-Show Addiction. 

See you soon.

Maybe I will just replay the YouTube video of 2020 Virtual Fashion Show*  

*my summer project a collaboration featuring 38 models from near and far.  

  

October and into Autumn, 2019

Looking back, our summer was not entirely what we planned. 

We started a garage remodel and were pretty excited about it. 

From our (way cool) "dance-moves" video... be glad its just the stills.

 

However, you know there is a saying, 

"It's all fun and games until somebody... (in our case it was) falls off the roof."

Yes. So, Mr. Black took a fall coming down off of the roof
when the ladder decided to go one way and he went the other.
That considerably changed our summer.

After almost 6 (long) months, he is close to 100% back to "normal"!

HOWEVER

We got to spend some time with our family - kids and grandkids. 

And, that is always the BEST part of Summer! 

The best way for a grandpa to recuperate!

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This summer we also did a fun photo-shoot over at the shop and the garden. 

The models and photographers are from Honey and Sage Photography 

and I think we all had a fun afternoon. 

 

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By August, we were on the road over to the Baja Blues Fest. 

This was the second year that I reserved 2 booths. 

It is always a great event. 

Baja Blues Fest 2019

We spent a few days in the Valle de Guadalupe (Baja's Wine Country) 

extending the time away from the Heat and Humidity of August!

Overlooking the Pacific near the Bufadora in Baja Norte

 I set up with the local artists on the malecon a few times this summer, too. 

Tianguis Cultural 

Always a fantastic view! 

 Then, one last little roadtrip with my parents to visit part of "Old Route 66" 

...I think we nicknamed the "eating" trip. 

Met up with our daughter and had a bit of fun with the grand-baby

(who isn't so much of a baby anymore.) 

Well, that was my summer... more or less.   

Now. Back to work! 

My Off the Beach Studio and Workshop is open this Friday

and we are back to the "On Season" schedule. 

Open every Friday from 10 to 5. 

Hope your Summer included some Ocean time.

See you soon! 

    

 

Spring 2019

It is March already! 

And, we have had a week or so of really fantastic weather - after a really long and wet winter. 

I guess it is Spring Break this week; and, I heard a funny new term.

Spring is the time for the annual "Bikini Hatching". 

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I always get excited to announce our 

Pirate and Mermaid Extravaganza. 

There are more details on the website 

www.mermaidsmarket.com

I will share the poster here too.

We have a fun COSTUME CONTEST with great prizes.  

Most of our vendors will be dressing "on theme", too 

 

www.mermaidsmarket.com

BOOM! One more Fall Fashion Fiesta

Well, after months of preparation...

and tons of work and a few sleepless nights... 

It is a thing of the Past.  

BOOM!   Done.   Accomplished.

(and, from my point of view. . . A Success!)

FashiOn ShOw cOllectiOns

 Still Feels Like Summer

SweetNaomi ReCreations

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 The ALT Fashion

A Collection by Adri CR

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 Slightly Eclectic Collection

SweetNaomi ReCreations

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Casa Turquesa Collection

Unique Designs by Dalia

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 Wedding Regalia Collection

SweetNaomi ReCreations

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Thank You to Shayna for playing along as our bride for the day. 

And, for being a great host - along with all of the Manny's Beach Club Team! 

Thank you to Gwynn for modeling the first dress I ever made.  

(I made this dress when I was 6 years old and Gwynn is also 6 years old.)

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Thank You Sponsors!

Including the fantastic teams of Lourdes Rivera and Alex and Gady from Mary Kay 

who did hair and make-up for about 25 ladies in total! 

    Thank you Tamra, Brenda, Edie & Kathy for helping me out all day! 

Thank you Sarah for being our announcer.

Thank you to everyone who attended! 

Thank you to In Focus Photo Studio

(and to the other contributing photographers)

View the entire photo album at: 

https://www.mannysanchez.photography/Galleries/Events/Fall-Fashion-Fiesta-2018/n-NC7txQ

Thank you such wonderful models.  

A few more highlights...

"Hmmm... Wonder where I left my glasses?"

Thank YOU, Russ.....

  UNTIL NEXT TIME!