Specific outline of your major character flaws!

Over reaction!

Having not seen many of the most recent film releases, I can at least attest to the fact this sounds like most of the film trailers I’ve seen recently. *wink*

I wonder why my friends at LAMB have to say to this?

As reported at Things Your Grandmother Knew, eBay’s latest ad campaign includes promoting the eBay Green Team by pointing out how environmentally kind and ethical wearing previously owned clothing is: The greenest product is the one that already exists. And that certainly includes vintage fashions and accessories!

In the ad in the April issue of Marie Claire, eBay shares the following facts:

Choosing new-to-you leather shoes saves more energy than an average household uses in a day.

Buying a pre-loved silk dress saves 95% of the CO2 needed to make a new one.

Choosing a previously owned leather clutch saves as much energy as not watching TV for 3 days straight.

"The Greenest Product" eBay Ad

The facts may be new, but the principal probably isn’t news to vintage fashion lovers. The question is, do you think this will change buying habits?

Pam Grier Wearing Blue Suede

Get the look with this blue sueded velour dress by Malouf of Dallas from the 70’s.

REtro Faux Suede Velour Dress By Malouf Of Dallas

Stunning 1970’s blue suede jacket with shearling collar and cuffs.

Vintage Blue Suede Jacket With Shearling Trim

Retro riviteded blue suede go-go boots with star power!

Vintage Blue Suede Go-Go Boots With Riveted Stars

I agree that too many vintage films are underappreciated — if they’re seen at all. Which is partly why I didn’t mention my queasiness about several scenes with slaves in The Toy Wife. But that wasn’t the only reason…

Along with struggling with how to balance presenting the issues of racism in films of the past, of not wanting to let the known facts of past ruin a film for potential viewers, I struggle with being a white woman discussing it. It’s one thing for me to point out gender issues (I am one, and can honestly react as one), but when it comes to racism I flounder.

It’s not simply a matter of white guilt, or of defensiveness, or even of committing a sin of omission that a person of color can call me out on; it’s about how to honestly portray my horror without co-opting the issue, of committing some sin of insensitivity… If that makes sense. (I bet that does make sense to at least a few other white folks though.)

Eartha Kitt

But, like all the discussion points at Cliff’s post, we shouldn’t just ignore mentioning the subject any more than others should let being told about racist depictions in films sway themselves from watching old films; it’s avoiding the past.

Because of that, I don’t think we should sanitize the racism from vintage films (and animated works), editing out the scenes with mammy’s like cigarettes from Bogart’s hand. Racism is shameful, but like our past obsession with smoking, we can’t deny it simply by giving it the old whitewash — for whatever reason. We have to remember our past honestly, even if it’s painful.

But these are my views… My questions for you, dear readers, are:

* How does racism in film affect your viewing? Do you stop watching &/or avoid films because it’s so uncomfortable? Do you just write it off as “unfortunately, that the way things were…”?

* Do you find the racism so uncomfortable in vintage movies that you wish it was edited out of the film — or that there were edited versions available?

* If you review or blog about movies, do you mention the racism? Why or why not? And if you do, how do you do it?

Tips To Preserve "New Look" Foundation Garments

Personally, I never ever would have thought of hanging my vintage girdles to dry by the garters — I’m eager to try it and see if and how it might affect things.

Vintage Sheer Black Organdy Blouse With Lace And Bow & Dot Pattern

The seller, Marie McLeod, points out that the construction is couture quality, with its vertical black Needlerun lace panels, nipped waist, flirty double rows of organdy ruffles (finished in hand rolled edges!), self covered buttons, hand finished button holes, and hand cast or French seams.

But even a fashion novice will swoon over the pattern of sweet bows and dotted lace alternating with sheer black organdy. They just don’t make them like this — or even looking like this — anymore.

Back of 1940's Sheer Black Blouse

Vintage Styled Glamorous Full Apron With Black Lace

Thanks to Deanna’s drooling over it, I not only discovered it, but found out that I could win one too! To enter, get yourself to the contest at Blommi.com and follow the rules. Or don’t. Because I really really want that glamorous, sexy black apron!

Thrift Is Glamorous

Now there is a lot to be said for the communal experience of watching a movie at the theatre or cinema; it’s not just the big screen (which, with some folks’ home entertainment systems, it’s nearly the same!), but the shared experience of “Ooohs” and “Ahhs” — and, my favorite, when a guy gets kicked in the family jewels and all the men collectively groan and bring their legs together. lol But if saving money is what you’re after, nothing beats staying home to watch a film.

Since I watch more vintage and classic films than the latest releases, I’m not so aware of the prices at my local movie theatres, but Alicia Young fills us in, stating a $6.75 ticket price (for a matinee?!) and the following incidentals:

Movie theaters are ripping us off with their outrageous soda and bagged popcorn prices. For example, $4.25 for a large soda (32oz), $5.25 for a large popcorn that is pre-popped and comes in a bag then warms up under the heat lamps. ( I know how this works because I worked at a movie theater for a year.)

Being a vintage film fans means you can save a whole lotta money. There’s watching TCM and DVD rentals (including at your public library) — and even buying your own DVD is worth the price when you add up multiple tickets, multiple viewings, etc.

So what are you going to do with all the money you save, glamour girl? …Maybe spend it on some incredible vintage loungewear? I know I do! *wink*