eye spy

something beginning with V.



- a supernatural badguy with vintage Vuitton luggage.
The Golden Child (1986). That has to be the real deal. What I wouldn't give...

movie inspiration: caught

(click the pic above to watch instantly on Netflix)

Just a short movie inspiration post this time - I stopped screen-capping and really got into it. Caught (1949) is the story of a poor model who marries a millionaire (reputedly based on Howard Hughes) and the subsequent shit-show of their marriage. Beautifully acted, and the clothes are gorgeous.

From her poor-girl jeans w satin boudoir slippers - I mean if you're going to wear vintage high-waist rolled-hem jeans you may as well sport fancy satin slippers.. and maybe a flannel shirt tucked in to keep it real..




.. to this amazing sculpture of a dress. I had to get it front and back to show you those shoulders




contrast-lined and flicking up and out just perfectly.

There's a lot more amazing clothing - modeling plus millionaire wife always equals outstanding wardrobe.

movie inspiration: Lady of Burlesque

This is one of my all-time favorites. It's a murder mystery written by Gypsy Rose Lee, starring Barbara Stanwyck, and set in a theater in 1943. It doesn't get much better than that.











I really don't need to say anything here, right?
Click the title card in the first pic to watch instantly on Netflix.

mr. raft

Have I mentioned here before how fond I am of George Raft? Here he is in Scarface - yes the original is word for word the same as the Pacino remake, but it's better because it has George Raft in it.



John Stewart looks just like him. And isn't Ann Dvorak gorgeous?



Watch it instantly here.
Even though you know exactly how it goes it's still wonderful and suspenseful and tragic to the end.

movie inspiration: evil under the sun

Another parlor mystery set between the wars - I like what I like. This one has the best summer inspiration I've seen in a long time.


red straw pagoda hat


full clownfish regalia with armloads of bakelite bracelets


another straw pagoda and cute espadrilles.


this little girl wears 3 or 4 great bathing suits


and this character wears great wide-leg pantsuits with tiny blazers - I'd wear every one of her costumes.




similar to my navy jumpsuit, but mine doesn't have this amazing sheer herringbone bow and matching hat... yet.



keds and wide silk pajama pants. the lampshade sunhat is pretty desirable too.

and the eveningwear is just as good -


hooded sequin evening jacket


sequin stripes and giant faux jewels. I may have to do this to a thrift blazer


massive puff sleeves and giant polka dots and severe cleavage. More is so much more, no?


bejeweled turban

and for the boys - love the bias binding on this white blazer - maroon, navy and pine


Watch instantly on Netflix here.
For the record I prefer David Suchet as Poirot, but Peter Ustinov is very good. He's just different from what I'm used to. Suchet defines the character though. It's like trying to watch anyone other than Jeremy Brett do Sherlock (though the new BBC Sherlock series is really good - best Sherlock attempt since Brett and very entertaining. But don't get me started on RoDoJr again...)

grandpa's workshop

A place for all things, and all things in their place.
And so much vintage packaging! Mostly 60s - some earlier, some later.







every one of these cans has a different nail taped to the outside to indicate the contents












and The Man himself -