Wow.

Some nights Dad would accidentally leave the radio on a channel he'd listened to a game on......he was never a fan of "new" country but somehow we listened to our share of it while we sat in his kitchen, smoking cigarettes, drinking a few Bud Lights and talking about life. He would make comments about the music but neither one of us would get up to change it....no idea why.

I ran across this song on a blog this morning, an odd series of clicks led me to it but I have no doubt somehow its Dad reaching out to me and reminding me that I am indeed ready to do this on my own. I've been struggling with his birthday being this week and with facing my little girl's preschool graduation tonight and her starting kindergarten next week, not feeling ready to acknowledge that SHE is ready to do things on her own.

Now I know we both can handle it. Thanks, Dad.

Wind blowing on my face
Sidewalk flying beneath my bike
A five year olds first taste
Of what freedom's really like
He was running right beside me
His hand holding on the seat
I took a deep breath and hollered
As I headed for the street

"You can let go now daddy
You can let go
Oh I think I'm ready to do this on my own
It's still a little bit scary
But I want you to know
I'll be okay now daddy
You can let go"

I was standing at the altar
Between the two loves of my life
To one I've been a daughter
To one I soon would be a wife
When the preacher asked
"Who gives this woman?"
Daddy's eyes filled up with tears
He kept holding tightly to my arm
'Til I whispered in his ear:

"You can let go now daddy
You can let go
Oh I think I'm ready to do this on my own
It's still feels a little bit scary
But I want you to know
I'll be okay now daddy
You can let go"

It was killing me
To see the strongest man I ever knew
Wasting away to nothing in that hospital room
"You know he's only hanging on for you"
That's what the night nurse said
My voice and heart were breaking
As I crawled up in his bed and said:

You can let go now daddy
You can let go
Your little girl is ready to do this on my own
Its gonna be a little bit scary
But I want you to know
I'll be okay now daddy
You can let go
You can let go

Happy Birthday, Dad.

I wish I had something super cool to say.....but I can't think of anything. I miss you. Happy Birthday, I hope you're up there knocking back a few cold ones with your buddies after a day of driving that Willys of your dreams.

I love you, and miss you every day.

~Ang

Dorothea's Has Hot Models!

Congrats to Amber Pirillo, one of the models who is featured regularly by Dorothea's in my runway shows, for being voted dmJUICE'S HOTTEST READER! Amber was kind enough to mention Dorothea's Closet Vintage as one of HER top 5 hot picks in Des Moines! Keen!

And Amber wasn't the only Dorothea's model to make the hottest list! Melanie was voted second hottest though it was a close vote. Check the 2 of them out below, from the recent vintage lingerie fashion show we did....

My models rock!

~Ang

The Bandage Dress

I rarely shop eBay, and rarely comment on what I see there. But kids. What IS a bandage dress? Behold, Rachel Bilson ......who I dislike, but looks fabulous.....

See? The bandage dress was created in the early 90s by HERVE LEGER. The look apparently is trendy right now (this is yet another scary indication to me that the NINETIES are coming back into style as a vintage trend to inspire new stuff....seriously, look for the keyword "grunge" on eBay! I'm NOT READY!!!! That was 20 minutes ago!!!).

So, as with any trend, its being misused like crazy on the eBay. Maxi dress? Bandage! Full skirted 50s dress? You bet, its bandage!!! Dress with a peplum? Bandage-tastic!

Oy. People, learn your fashion terms.

~Ang

The Art of Fashion.....Dorothea's Vintage Lingerie Fashion Show Video!

At rockiowa dot com, or HERE. I can't figure out how to grab the code to show it here so just check out the video there and dig the rest of the site too! Cool stuff, cool music (though my lingerie segment to the song "Boobs" by Ruth Wallis worked a little better). And now you get to see the pillow fight! Thanks rockiowa!

~Ang

20s Style in Des Moines, Iowa

I'm too late to run an ad or get into a newsletter so hopefully people attending the upcoming GATSBY GALA at the Salisbury House here in Des Moines Iowa will be looking online to search for 20s dresses and flapper dresses, because I have them! I'm carrying both 20s style vintage dresses from the 60s to 80s....sequins, fringe, deco looks AND some gorgeous beaded flapper style dresses that are new reproductions (get the look without the price tag AND without worry for the age of the garment!). I have genuine 20s clothing & accessories as well....hats, scarves, feathers, jewelry. Stop in Wed-Saturday to 1733 Grand Ave. in Des Moines Iowa or call (515) 288-9982 for details~

~Ang

Dorothea's Closet Vintage ~Site Updates 8/4~

Its party time! Maybe not in real life, but once the summer heat wanes and school is back in session, there are bound to be parties, right? OK, maybe not for everyone, but everyone DOES need a fabulous party dress. I've been adding prom/party/gala dresses and gowns over the weekend (some still need measurements, coming today!)....

60s golden silk chiffon with sequined bodice....

Perfect pink tulle 50s gown with scalloped skirt....

(Coming today) Meditteranean blue crepe 60s gown by DuBarry....

Loden green velvet and taffeta 60s party dress....

Soft chartruese green silk organza embroidered 60s dress....

Sunshine yellow prom dress with embroidered daisies and sundress inspired straps.....

50's Emma Domb gown in shades of coppery pink, swagged with taffeta and accented with silk and velvet roses....

Also added, a great 30s dress, a 50s silk wiggle dress with Victorian print and several slips, click this pretty 50s slip with embroidered cherry accent to see all of them!