Suzanne Carillo Style Files

Swing Out To Victory Anniversary Dance

This weekend we went to one of our favourite dances, the Swing Out to Victory dance at the Heritage War Plane museum in Hamilton. 

Robert outdid himself with some Clark Gable facial hair.  It was fun for the night but I was relieved when he shaved it off the next day.  Let it be known...I hate facial hair on my man and on 99% of all other men for that matter. 

 Robert is wearing vintage cuff links, tie clip, tie, vest, pocket watch, blazer and hat. 

I'm 100% vintage except for the shoes and belt.

It just so happened that it was 2 days before our 23rd wedding anniversary so it was perfect timing. 

 23 years...where has the time gone??? Seems like it was only yesterday that Robert was saying in his thick French accent to the Justice of the Peace, " I want" instead of "I do."

; P  

Didn't matter.

It worked for me. 

It was fun to see so many people getting dressed up for the event. I had to get a photo of these ladies with all their hats...they were so much fun.

 Below are three of the people that won for best costume. This gal on the left with the black hair really did look like she was off of some movie set.

Live music, dinner, dancing, silent auction and vintage war planes...it was a blast!

We've never danced as much as we danced that night. I think we only sat out 3 songs the whole evening. 

I just adore these kind of events. They have another Big Band Dinner and Dance for New Year's Eve we are seriously considering as well.

The atmosphere at these type of dances is just so much fun. Especially when people get into character with their costumes. 

It was a brilliant way to celebrate our anniversary. 

What do I love about my husband after being married for 23 years? The fact that he is willing and excited to dress up and go to swing dances, or take Tango lessons, or basically open to discovering new things together.

Here is to many more years of dressing up and having fun!

Love you babe!

xoxoxo

 

Are you lucky enough to have a partner that shares your quirky interests?  

 

Linking up with:  Share in Style Happiness at Mid-Life - Throw Back Thursday   The Pleated Poppy What I Wore    Get Your Pretty On - I Feel Pretty,  My Girlish Whims - Your Whims Wednesday

Date Night - What To Wear To A Jazzy Night Out On The Town

We've been hitting a few jazz clubs and jazz festivals lately. 

I caught June Garber at The South Coast Jazz festival September with my sister...they made a video of the event and if you look very carefully close to the end my sister and I are in the video...right at the back on the upper right side at 4:35 mark you can see my sister's head and me screaming and clapping behind another guy's head in approval.

 

LOL My 1 second of fame blocked out by a guy with a very large head.  

Story of my life.

We went out again last night to the Reservoir Lounge this time in downtown TO and caught Sophia Pearlman and Mary Mckay.

What a BLAST we had! 

Here is a video of Mary Mckay rockin' a song I didn't know but now love...

 

Everyone was right into the vibe. The atmosphere and food was great, the martinis were flowing and the music was sensational! We stayed for over five hours.

We are definitely going back. 

I can't believe we've lived in Toronto for ages now and never discovered this place until now. I have a feeling visiting new Jazz clubs is going to a new favourite past-time of ours. 

This is what we wore...

Dress - Nanette Leporé, similar or this maxi with a cherry pattern is amazing! Blue blazer - Le Château, similar Boots - similar

Sorry I don't have a better photo of this dress with the blazer. We took these photos in a rush before we left for the club. 

The dress my newest consignment store find. It is Nanette Laporé. The jacket Le Château and both are consignment. The boots I've had for at least 15 years, maybe longer.

Isn't the dress unique? The seam detailing and cut are fantastic but the cherry patterned fabric is really the ...

ba dum dum...

cherry-on-top. 

You know I had to go there.

Robert went with what he thought was classic rat pack style. A black suit, white shirt and black tie. 

I must admit I really love him in this suit. 

What about you? Do you take time to discover the cool things to do where you live? 

What was the last thing you did for a date night?

 

Linking up with:  The Pleated Poppy What I Wore    Get Your Pretty On - I Feel Pretty, 

How To Mix Vintage Clothing With Contemporary 1920's Menswear Style

Hat and Vest - vintage, Trousers - Samuelsohn  Shirt - Eton, Bowtie - Brooks Brothers, Shoes - Brunello Cucinelli

Robert picked up the vest from a consignment store for $5 I think it is from the 1970's. The hat is from the 1940's.

One of the many pairs of wonderful men's shoes in my husband's collection that are inspired by the funky colours of the 1930's.

Every time I see my husband dressed up like this I think he was meant to live in a different era. He would fit right in on Boardwalk Empire. If you haven't watched this show it is brilliant. Currently in its  fifth and final season, the acting is superb and the writing is brilliant but honestly it is a bit like MadMen, I'd watch it strictly for the fashion porn. Such fabulous styling and art direction!

I think it is worth noting that my husband chose this entire outfit on his own. Very French eclectic. 

I probably should have worn more vintage here,  we look like an odd pair. Oh well...the hat is vintage.

And of course I'm vintage.

  

Does it look like Robert is going to expire holding me like this? LOL

Your eyes are not deceiving you. I had to pixelate part of that image.  The idea of being swept off my feet is 100% romantic but the visuals of the actual feat is 100% X rated hilarity. 

And yes...I always have one leg kicking out behind me.

It's my blogger trick twitch.

My husband brought home an edition of Elle for Men tonight. I have yet to look through it but it is a good indication how men's style, grooming and fashion have really come to the forefront of what used to be a market dominated almost entirely by women's fashion magazines.

Linking up with Happiness at Mid-Life - Throw Back Thursday,

A Day At The Market - Playing Tourist At Kensington Market Toronto

After having lived in the Greater Toronto Area for 15 years now it was high time I'd made it down to visit one of the well known tourist attractions Kensington Market. I got the extra push after seeing Shelley's post. We went down after our Tango Workshop.

Little known fact...Kensington Market became even more famous to Canadians due to this popular TV comedy...

 

...the King of Kensington which I do remember watching as a kid. In fact I remember that opening song by heart. 

The first place we went was Model Citizen since I had seen the Liberty ties in Shelley's post and knew my husband would love them.

And yes...he helped himself to a new tie. He wore it to work later that week.

Gorgeous right? And yes...I picked it out ; )

The tie and the guy.

The market is filled with loads of outdoor murals and art, as well as street performers. 

The gal with the accordion had a fit on me because she thought I didn't pay to take her photo. Meanwhile my husband had put money in her case. He had to vouch for me saying we were together otherwise she was going to come over and knock my teeth out. 

Calm down Ms. Street Performer!

What happened to the friendly nice people from that King of Kensington video?

We ate at Big Fat Burrito. You can't miss it as the place is covered in bright graffiti (above photo lower left). Although they were good they weren't very spicy. We like things extra hot and spicy. Read into that what you will.

My favourite stops were

duh...

ice cream : ) 

And a brilliant thrift store called Bungalow where my husband convinced me to buy the amazing black sequined dress you see above.

Enabler.

It really reminds me of something Marilyn Monroe would have worn. A real 1950's wiggle dress.

It is the most fitted and structured dress I own.

Let's just say I couldn't run in this even if my life depended on it and I can't gain an ounce.  Not an ounce!

NOTE: This did not stop me from eating the ice cream. 

There is no slit in the back and it requires very small baby steps and lots of wiggling.  

Basically it is sexy sequined straight jacket that comes down to the knees. 

Come back tomorrow and you'll see me wearing the straight jacket.

 

The market isn't huge, but it is bustling with people, art and energy.

I liked it. 

So that was our afternoon being tourists in our hometown.

Do you ever play tourist where you live?

 

Linking up with: The Pleated Poppy, I Feel Pretty

 

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This Is Why I Blog

Last weekend I received an email from this spiffy looking gentleman...

This was the email he sent me...

Hi Suzanne, I hope you don’t mind me contacting you?

I recently turned the big 5- 0, and to celebrate, we attended a small Restaurant in our home Town of Birmingham, UK.

The Evening had a 1920s theme, and I convinced my family and friends to dress in clothes of that era.

That’s where you come in. Whilst looking for a suitable outfit on Google images, I wanted something that I could reuse, and possibly, already own.

I came across some fantastic Zoot suits, but alas, only from the States, which may not have fitted correctly, and were quite expensive.

Whilst browsing, I came across an image which I now know to be you Husband, looking fine in an outfit that you had put together for him.

I have enclosed some images of my outfit, inspired by you. So much for already owning the components, the shirt was the only item from my wardrobe.

The rest were off EBay, from all over England, Europe and indeed the States.

I have never really bothered with fashion as such, but I found the whole experience of looking for the items very enjoyable.

I never wear a hat, but I think this made the outfit.

My Wife bought me a lovely pocket watch for my Birthday present, which gives me more reason to wear more waistcoats in the future, including two up and coming Weddings in the Summer. My shoes are out of sight, but are a brown two tone leather style, from TK Maxx.

I now enjoy looking at your blog, again something I have never done, any chance of more male outfits.

Thank you so much for the inspiration, and perhaps a new hobby, I love your work.

 

Best Wishes from across the pond,

Phil Russell.

 

How brilliant was that? 

Seriously made my day. I especially love that Phil took the time to write me and let me know. 

Proof that you have no idea at all whom you inspire or connect with when blogging. 

Hip Hip Hooray! to Phil and belated birthday wishes.

That is one sharp dressed dude!

Kudos to his family for playing along with the whole idea. Methinks there will be other "dress up" parties in your future ; )

bisous

Suzanne

 If you are a blogger have you had any cool connections like this out-of-the-blue? Do share!

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1950's Dance & Diamond Drapes - Dressing 1950's Style For Men and Women

On Saturday night we went out to a 1950's dance and saw this great band...

 

And boogied our little bottoms off. 

I tried to get Robert to wear his sleeves rolled up to look a little more casual so I didn't feel so under dressed next to him...but you know, that man makes up his own mind. 

Just before we were headed out the door I proclaimed in a whiny voice, 

"I hate it! I just hate what I'm wearing!" and then proceeded to push out my bottom lip until I almost tripped on it, and stomped around like a child of five.

Dress - 1950's, Sweater - Anthropologie, Shoes - Rockport, Neck scarf - Robert's pocket square

Thankfully my husband didn't throw down his hat and pull my ponytail in order to meet me at the same level of maturity. Instead he said, "Go upstairs right now and change. I'll help pick something out for you." 

We chose the black and white 1950's vintage dress with an orange neck scarf.

I had to agree it was better than this... as you can see I was doubtful right from the start wearing the red and pink outfit.

So sometimes I guess the student can teach the master a thing or two.

I hope he won't let it go to his head...

 too late.

Ahem...

Later peeps.

 

Linking up with : Visible Monday   Tres Chic Style Bits

How To Get Through The Oscars - Party Hardy

Welcome to the 2014 Academy Awards!!!

First we have the pre show and red carpet. 

Some of the members filling out their ballots ...

A quick shot of the craft services.

Some blah blah blah...

A rabid fan that sat beside me and coughed up some old carrot on my designer gown.

How did she get in? 

 

 Grainy twitter celebrity selfie 

 

And finally without further adieu...

17 hours later...

a grand winner is announced!

I'm shocked!!!

Thank you! thank you! thank you! 

A quick change of clothes on my way to the podium and...

I'd like to thank the members of the academy...

my ability to speed change outfits, and talk incessantly about nothing

of course all those above that helped me achieve this amazing plastic cup and a full bottle of Moet for my greedy little self.

I'd like to thank Hazel Borg, for her graciousness in hosting the event.

Without her none of this would have been possible ( cause we don't have cable ).

The sexy barman for his wicked skills slow pouring the champagne down the side of the flute. 

Pour me another like that baby and I'll be taking you home with me tonight!

The brilliant caterers.

 Two types of gourmet popcorn, spiced seaweed & mucho caliente 

 Gourmet homemade bits and bites.

"You like me! You really like me!" Lemon coconut tartlet.

Brandied dark chocolate truffles

And of course to the real reason I'm up here...a huge thank you goes out to the one being that truly knows me, 

my someone to feed, my someone waiting at the door for me, and my someone to chase...

my pug Zoe!

lookin' sly girlfriend!

 

A HUGE thank you to everyone tonight!

I love you all! (wiping away tears)

Now if you'll excuse me,

I'm taking my Oscar and heading out to the after party...

I said no photos! 

 

Elton!

Get these losers out of here!

I can't afford to have someone see me with the barman!

 

 Now tell me honestly...

do you think I went overboard with my speech? 

 

Linking up with the beautiful Bella at Secondhand First as my vintage gown is an estate sale find and Tres Chic Style Bits. 

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Yes...I snuck another look in this week...just too gorgeous to leave out : ) 

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