Holiday Tradition - White Christmas

At The Disco Dolls compound, we have a few holiday traditions that we participate in every season.

We have a treasure here in Tampa, the Tampa Theatre, it was built in 1926, and is one of the great old movie palaces in America. The inside of the theatre is in perfect condition, and looks as though you're in a Mediterranean courtyard, complete with twinkling stars!
 We have seen many great performers here, but one of my favorite things that they offer is classic movie Sundays. All summer long they show classic films at 3pm on Sundays. I've seen Casablanca, Maltese Falcon, Sound of Music, and more.

Our grandparents on their wedding day

Every holiday season they show the classic 3: White Christmas, Miracle on 34th Street, and Its a Wonderful Life. While I love the latter 2, the first is one of my favorite movies of all time. I don't know if its the amazing costumes and hairstyles, or if its because my grandfather always sang and looked just like Bing Crosby. Maybe its the hilarity of the Danny Kaye/ Bing Crosby duo, or the sister act with Rosemary Clooney and her gorgeous voice ... there are just too many incredible things about this film to ignore!



So, yearly we get together, and dress in our best 1950's garb and head out to the theatre. We always try to get there early to listen to the Mighty Wurlitzer play holiday tunes, and sing along. Its a fabulous time, and we make sure to hit the local dive bar next door for a quick drink before heading home. I look forward to it every year. Check out the League of Historic American Theatres to see if there's a historic theatre in your city, and pay them a visit!!

New Items

Good Evening, here's an update on The Disco Dolls Holiday goings on. We have released some new items just in time for the holidays, and would love some feedback! (begin shameless plug)

Item #1
The Bra purse! No, its not a purse made out of a bra... ewww! Its a purse made to go into your bra! That's  right! Ever not want to carry a purse? going out on the town, running, to the beach, bike riding, quick walk around the block?  This is a vintage design that we have reproduced because after using it for a week or so, we quickly realized it's the bees knees! Get one for every occasion, and every girlfriend! Its discreet, sweet, and a little saucy. Made for all cup sizes!

Item #2
Vamped up vintage hats! These are hats we pick up where ever we go and fix up and bring a little Disco to all of them.

The great thing about both of our new items is we can use almost all recycled material. In the Disco Dolls Studio we keep every scrap, stray bead, trim, etc.. then, we sort through them for useful bits.

Check out the shop tab, or visit us at Etsy !

Time Savers for the Holidays

The Holidays!!

What do they mean to you?

Stress? Fights? worrying? Loads of work? money? etc....

It doesn't have to be that way ... The Disco Dolls are here to help. We can rescue you from this torment!

We have some great tips that we have developed to make the Holiday Season

Cheerful! Relaxing! Stress-free! Fun! Budget friendly! 

Gifts 

Shop on sites like Etsy, and you'll find that many sellers (like us) offer free gift wrapping and direct shipping to your gift recipient. Another added benefit is that you are supporting a community of local artists. Its a greener way to shop! 

If you have a group of people you usually get gifts for (coworkers, neighbors, teachers, etc.). think about giving handmade gifts, made by you or someone else (see above).

Now,  I know what your going to say ... Handmade? are you crazy? I don't have time for that.

But how much time do you spend shopping? parking? dealing with crowds? waiting in lines?

Not to mention the cost of gas, the wear and tear on your car, and your well being. There are plenty of quick, easy things you can put together that will make a big impact. Also, handmade gifts are appreciated more, and offer the possibility of the other wonderful thing about the holidays - time with friends and family.

1. Have a party! Invite over your nearest and dearest. Make invitations with colorful scraps of fabric or paper laying around. Everyone loves getting something in the mail, in our digital age, it is rare to get a handmade card sent to your mailbox! Give the gift of the company of friends. Make desserts or punch and have a white elephant gift exchange. You could also have a viewing party of your favorite holiday movie, good or bad! (Our favorites are White Christmas and Bad Santa)

2. Baked Goods! We have been known to have a few friends over, each bringing an ingredient and/or canning supplies. (available at any grocery store). We set up in the biggest kitchen and make large batches of preserves, flavored oils, cookies, even flavored vodkas (my favorite). Its one day, we make baskets for all our friends, and have a great time doing it! Its much easier than you think, and doesn't take long. Check out Marthastewart.com for tons of amazing recipes, and we'll post some family favorites in the next couple of weeks.

3. Wine, or Beer! Most stores offer discounts for case size purchases, and holiday beers make an excellent gift. Some of our favorites: Delerium Noel, Corsendonk Christmas Ale, and Samichlaus. There are many excellent wines out there in the $10 or less range. Contact your local brewery or winery for a more eco friendly alternative! Our local brewery is Cigar City, and for $14 you can get a reusable glass quart container, filled with your favorite brew. Its gorgeous!

4. Ornaments and wreaths! Get together with friends/family and bring all your bits and bobs of leftover craft supplies. Fill or decoupage plain glass ornaments (available at most craft stores) Get clippings from your local Christmas tree lot and make wreaths.

The key is to be creative, and get together with friends and family. Pool resources, rethink the holidays and try to eliminate stress wherever possible! Have fun, and create memories that are not driven by consumer culture, but by love and care for each other.

Betty Davis

Previously unrealeased?!?! 30 year old tapes? yes... funk master!

a room with a view

Disco Dolls Cocktail

Inspired from our current bar stock, and the Pegu

Disco Doll
1.5 oz  Gin
1 oz. grand marnier (or triple sec)
2tsp maraschino liqueur
2tsp clarified lime juice
dash orange bitters
dash angostura bitters
shake with ice, serve with lime slice (sugared rim if desired)

So good. A pinch of the retro, a hit of the liqueur and a variety from a well stocked, well loved bar.
Thanks AMC for bringing cocktail culture back!!

I just wanna dance....

Ok. I will admit it now I am a Dane Cook fan.

He did a skit on dancing where he talked about how girls will "just wanna dance, no boys". But I realized something the other night when I went out dancing with the girls.

I think this is one of the few activities that most people don't wanna do alone. Meaning, I am sure there are the people that are confident or crazy enough to show up at a club all by their lonesome but I think more often then naught (yes, I just used that word), that they are meeting people at the club.

Of course there are those people that have "peeps" at the club, they know the bouncers, bartenders, and shot girls. They are as cool as they are known by those people around them. But this is not being alone at all.

So.....

Could you do it? Could you just show up and dance the night away without a care in the world... Could you leave your house all dressed up just for yourself and not care if anything but the music was at the club waiting for you?

Something to think on.... In the club world, what are you made of?

ARROJO product - Styling Creme - Rea 1

Sustainable Fashion

So as I was reading about the Uniform Project which I am in love with. I came across this blog entry and its a very interesting conversation. Click Here

I have nailed done few elements for my next collection.

Using a bamboo made jersey knit to produce staple elements
Using vintage embellishment that we have rescued.

I found a few resources for this eco-friendly fabric but I am always on the look out for more.

Embrace your inner hippie

Ahhh.... summer in Florida. Its hot, its humid - I'm a complete frizz ball. I want clothes that cover as little as possible, but yet look chic and put together. I have accepted that I am going to be wilted, slightly "perfumed" if you will.... and scantily clad. Summer means less makeup, more natural texture in hair, and the air of effortless beauty! Here are my MUST have's for summer:

Hair - Its the accessory you wear everyday and should be a part of the whole look. We have just become Arrojo Ambassadors at the Disco Dolls Studio, and these are my fav's so far.

Frizz Control - I apply this wet, with a drop of the defrizz serum. Then, air dry (cause its TOO hot to blow dry!), or twist it  up, to be let down later.... This combo keeps my wavy

hair controlled, and keeps it from freaking out too much during the day.

For the 2nd day, or mid afternoon when I'm looking to "restyle" either because its finally temperate enough to wear it down, or I need to freshen up, I spray Hydro Mist on liberally, and "scrunch" it in to revive. Its also great anytime you need a little extra moisture, wet or dry. The defrizz serum is also great on dry hair.

Check out Arrojo TV on YouTube for more styling suggestions!

And never underestimate the value of a deep conditioner once a week, try the Arrojo Hair Repair Mask.

Now, on to skin care and makeup. I have oily, over 30 skin that needs both moisture and sebum control. I head over to Lush to take care of my skincare needs, and I experience this FAB new product called colour supplements.

Apparently, Lush UK had a makeup line that is no more, and they took the best products and brought them to Lush. So, those of us in the US finally get to experienc e some of their wonderful goodies!
 I use the light yellow as a concealer, and I mix it in my moisturizer as a light tint. It stays all day, and never gets creased. I use the Dark Pink as a bronzer, and the light pink under my eyes to give a rosy glow.

My go -to summer skincare treatments are Dark Angels scrub, and Brazened Honey face masque. Every other day with dark angels, brazened honey once a week (with the oily skin serum). These, with Enzymion moisturizer keeps my oil under control, but stays hydrated.

.... we'll come back to this with some pics of great summer clothes...

images from Arrojo products & Lush USA

Voice!!

Call us ! We now have google voice, and are testing it out. There is a "main" disco dolls phone line now, where you can leave messages and it will reach everyone! This continues my love for google, they are so innovative, and bringing it to the people .... for free!

Get on the waiting list... it might take a while, but its worth the wait .

Voice

Bicycles and such

So, we've officially joined the movement ... the bicycle movement! Perusing craigslist, like I do, I noticed some gorgeous bicycles. I've been looking for a bike - as have the rest of the Disco Dolls house. I think it started last year when I really began to take notice of Natasha Khan and Bat for Lashes. I became obsessed with the video for "What's a Girl to Do"

It took a while for me to realize how much I needed a bicycle. Actually, I didn't realize how much I needed it until I got it. There's so many wonderful benefits to riding a bike. I actually crave it now! Its definitely inspired some new looks with clothes and hair that are humidity friendly!

AND! I'm driving less, and using less fossil fuels, which always makes you feel good!

So, I invite you to join me ...

check out:

http://citybiketampa.com/maps/

for maps of downtown tampa (my current favorite night ride) and other local places.

Is there such a thing as to much Glitter?

I think the answer is yes... I have been known to be not as right as I could have been (a.k.a. wrong)... So let's examine the facts....

Glitter, like baby blue eye shadow, is one of the most over used items of makeup.

Unless you are a stripper or Lady Ga Ga I think there is a level of "Ooh you look amazing!" and "Wow did a disco ball explode on your face?"

I know as woman (or a man), most of us are attracted and will buy shiny things. I know I will. I can't even make it through a Macy's without being distracted at least a dozen times...

But....

That doesn't mean we need to coat ourselves in. It isn't like it is skin protector that will repel a denim penis thrusting against you in a dark club where the only true protection we have is a friend willing to whisk you off to the bathroom or the willingness to deliver a "junk punch". If nothing else it encourages it. Men are attracted to shiny objects as well, most especially when they curvy and wrapped in tight outfits..

So lesson here ladies (and gents).... If you think you have to much glitter on, YOU DO!

So think twice before you sprinkle, rub, line, paste or smooth that final coat of sparkly awesomeness on yourself.... Unless of course some pole dancing is in your immediate future!

It's all about the color!

To start you must understand where I come from as a hair color expert. Well I am a hair color expert from the sitting in the chair perspective. Which in some cases tends to make me more of an expert then the person mixing the color (Hello cheap beauty schools).

I am digressing.

I have actually been coloring my hair since I was 12. My first haircare experience involved my mother telling the stylist that I could have "Whatever I wanted". I think she assumed that I would be choosing one of the amazing reds I was looking at.... My hair was a really amazing deep auburn color that I did not appreciate at all at the time and spent $1000's later trying to recreate it.

Needless to say I ended up with the most amazing color in the history of my hair color. VIOLET!
My mother was not amused and neither was my school. So after a tear filled afternoon, I did end up with that red after all.

Years later I am still a bottle red head. I also have the genetic joy that my father has amazing silver/white hair. He had a total head of this by the time he was 35. I am 37. So I am about 50% silver/white and not in an organized way. So what does this do? Give my stylist a challenge. Red and White.... Very American.

So what to do?

Color my hair every 3 weeks. This takes it's toll on not only me but my hair. How could it not?

Enter in IVOA! www.inoa-us.com

This is the most innovative hair color ever. No ammonia, exact and predictable hair color and it can lighten up to 3 shades.

How does it work? It uses oils instead of standard ammonia to push the color into the hair. What this means is it actually protects the hair while the color is delivered verses standard hair color that has to breakdown parts of your hair's natural protection to deliver the color.

But more then what I have said above this color is AMAZING!!!

My stylist (Max) has used this on me twice and I can say it is nothing less then the best color I have had, it is vibrant from the moment I leave the salon till the day I return. The fading is minimal and my hair feels so soft!

For those of you interested in having the best color experience of your life, get educated (I included the link) and then get COLORED!!!

Its not perfection.... it's glamour!

OK, so we all know a person tends to walk into a salon with a picture in hand or some ill fated idea of the perfect hair look for them.

I want to look just like Kristen Stewart in Twilight!

Unless your 5'6, weigh like 110, and oh yeah are a movie star, then your not going to look like her. Other then it is possible to have bad extensions.

I want the same hair color as Scarlett Johansson in He's Just Not That Into You!

He won't be that into you if you try a horrible hair color that looks terrible with your complexion and the only way to obtain it is to fry your hair to pieces. I did this, I know.

Each person is unique. That is the fun part about being human or at least playing one in real life.

When you walk into the Salon ask the person who actually knows best. Your hair stylist.

Ask them!!!

Although ideas can come from the stars you see around you, don't try to look just like them. You will find more often then not, you will look more amazing just letting your stylist do the voodoo they do so well.

I suppose the moral of this blog is when you ask your stylist to do some "great" idea you just had, if they pause for more then say 10 seconds before they answer. IT IS A BAD IDEA!! Even if they want the customer to always appear right.

POP

Check out!!! our new youtube channel! and our new video as a teaser for our next show

Inspiration

Some more inspirational photos to share. Today, looking at makeup and finding all sorts of wonderfulness!

Another fab blog Disco Nap had some great pics to share

I always love Natasha Khan

yes please!!

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No carbs

Summer Collection

We are getting ready for our April 17th show and we are sooooo excited. We started out with a more 60's theme that has moved into Roller Disco. As everything does. Of Course.

The thought of having Models on Roller Skates was too much to pass up. Then Kristine started knitting hot pants and it was all over. Now there is white denim involved. Also Jon will be making some new light up signs.

And, oh yeah, we are taking over the 70's no one will own it like us!!!!