Mermaid Parade 2012

 It's that time of year again to dust off your mermaid scales & throw on your captain's gear, it's time to head to the beaches of Coney Island!

This year Coney Island celebrated it's 30 year anniversary of the Mermaid parade.  If you are unfamiliar with the New York's famous art parade, let me give you some background.  The Mermaid Parade, founded in 1983, pays homage to the forgotten Mari Gras of Coney Island- which lasted from 1903-1954.   It's honestly the perfect way to celebrate the start of the summer season, with the sand between your toes, the sweet salty air & mermaids waltzing down the boardwalk.
To start the day I woke up early for a Saturday to ensure parking when I reached my destination in Coney Island.  Leaving Philly at around 6:30 I arrived in Brooklyn around 8:30, with barricades for the parade already being set up for the 2:00 start time.

(Just a sidenote: If you are coming from out of town be sure to get there early, there will seriously be NO parking if you try and come into town after 9AM!).

Getting there early was definitely a smart thing and gave me time to relax and meet up with a few friends I have in the area.  We headed down to Surf Ave. at around 11ish and people were already beginning to line the streets hoping to get the best seat in the house for the parade with the occasional passing of a glittery mermaid. 

As the parade start time approached the crowds came, it was literally a sea of blue, green mermaids, mermen, pirates, men dressed like mermaids even a few burly sailors…you name it, someone was probably dressed like it.  Being it was so hot out we decided to set up in the Coney Island Freak Bar to have a few drinks before the parade started. There we chatted, browsed through Coney Island Gift shop & museum(I'm sure you all remember the museum from the last Sourpuss Catalog shoot) and watched the crowds grow outside & inside.
At 2:00 we perched ourselves up on the boardwalk to watch the lavish, quirky & some just out right ridiculous costumes go by.   It is definitely a sight that everyone needs to experience at least once, if not every year, of their life!

Words can only explain so much, so be sure to bring a camera.    Another sidenote if you're looking for some great pics, head to the end of the parade route.  There you can get one on one pictures of all of your favorites, it's not very crowded and you get to see some of these amazing costumes up close.

The parade started coming to a close around 4, but the party doesn't end there.  Every year there is  an after party down the street at the NYC aquarium.  Unfortunately, even though I had tickets in hand, I had to head back home for the evening. 

Even though I did not make the Ball this year it was an amazing time & highly recommended for everyone to make plans for this event next year.  No date for 2013 yet, but it is normally held around this time every year.  You can always check out www.coneyisland.com for more info too.

Jessie's 13 Favorites for Friday the 13th

Spring is here and that means time for new dresses, shoes, shorts, swimsuits ….. Hey it's an excuse to go shopping right?!?
We have been getting new items in by the boatload the past few weeks, so here are my top 13 new favorite things just in time for Friday the 13th!

1. HELL BUNNY CANCUN DRESS: With so many summery dresses from Hell Bunny how can you just choose one!?
2. SWIMSUITS: You will be a bathing bombshell in any of our new swimsuits from Pinup Couture & Iron Fist!
3. JACKALOPE FLASK: A nice day sometimes calls for a drink outside. We just got in a ton of pretty amazing flasks to choose from, there is even a flask key chain!
4. HOTROD HELLCAT NORCAL BAG: Hop in your hot rod and head to the boardwalk, but don't forget to grab any of these fantastic bags first!
5. FLOCKED LEOPARD PUMPS PINK: If you're lookin' for a new pair of shoes, well we got 'em! Choose from flats, wedges, boots…. the list goes on & on!
6. TIKI BRACELETS: It's Tiki Time! These vintage inspired tike bracelets come in 4 colors to choose from, yellow, orange, red or black.
7. BOW HAIR CLIP PINK LEOPARD: Tie up those tresses with our bow hair clips. Guaranteed to look like the perfect doll!
8. STEADY HULA HEARTBREAK V NECK T: Time to Tiki in this fantastic fitting tee from Steady!
9. GUYS T-SHIRTS: Guys, I have not forgotten about you. We have tons of new t-shirts for you to choose from. Fantastic new designs from Sailor Jerry, Liquorbrand, Sullen & many more!

10. BABUSHKUPS NESTING CUPS: Sit on the porch and sip some Ice tea in these adorable Matryoshka cups.
11. SPARROW PATCH RED: What better way to spend your lazy days then by sewing some bad-ass patches on your jacket, bag, hats…. or just about anything you can get a needle through. We have tons of traditional tattoo inspired patches from ships, sparrows, mermaids to eagles.
12. DEADLY MOTH BANDANA: Keep it traditional with our tattoo inspired bandanas or keep it gruesome in our bloodshed & X-ray parts bandana! How can you just choose one?!?
13. FANCY FOIL: Wrap up your BBQ leftovers with either of these kitschy kooky printed foil rolls!

Jessie's Top 5 things you want for Valentine's Day!

Who wants to get a bunch of roses that are just going to wind up dead? Here is a list of a few things your significant other would rather get!

Somethin' for Him:

1. Man's Face Stuff: Does your man need something to keep that stache in line? Then get him this fantastic scented moustache wax. The perfect excuse to get him cleaned up and take you out to dinner!
2. Sourpuss Logo Mug: Keep your guy happy with a mornin' cup a joe in his very own Sourpuss Mug.
3.T-shirt Originals from Iron Fist, Fred Perry, Lucky 13 plus more!: Tired of seeing him in his old worn out t-shirts? Choose from any of our T-shirt Originals & update his wardrobe for him.
4. Rockabilly Patch: A great little add on to throw in with this year's Valentine's gift. Lots of patches to choose from!
5. Rhino Attack Plaque: Wow him this holiday with his very own Rhino Plaque! Now you need to make up a good story to go along with it....


Somethin' for Her!

1. Hell Bunny Mini Motley: You know what you like to see her in so why not pick up the adorably sweet Mini Motley from Hell Bunny! Not your speed? That's okay we have tons of other dresses for you to choose from!

2. Swallows Champagne Flutes: If your little lady is looking' for a little romance then you should get her these His & Hers matching champagne flutes. Oh and don't forget to pick some champagne!
3.Chloe Tux Tank: Sick of her whining she has nothing to wear. Then grab her one of these amazing Chloe tank tops. These fantastic tanks can be dressed up or down for a simple, cool look!
4. Pinup Couture Polka Dot Heels: Win her over with these perfectly pinup polka dot heels from Pinup Couture!

5. Cupcake Measuring Spoons: Does your gal like to bake? Then get her a set of these cupcakes measuring spoons!. I'm sure she'll make you somethin' sweet!

Vintage Makeup and Retro Hair Instructional Books!

Retro Hairstyling Book
(Click photo above to grab one!)
This How-To, Retro Hairstyling book is perfect for anyone looking for helpful tips to get a perfect retro look or maybe if you're just looking to try out a new 'do! Either way you will look vintage fab in the end.

The Vixen!
Are you one vivacious vixen looking for the perfect pinup curls?! Learn this quick & easy hairstyle step by step. Even the hair-styling challenged, like myself, can learn the what & how of these classic styles of the past.

For The Boys!
The boys will come a runnin' when you pull off this classic 40s curled look! I know it looks complicated, but with just 15 easy step by step instructions, you'll be twisting' & curling' all over the place.









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Retro Makeup Book
(Click photo above to grab one!)
As early as the Egyptians those gals used kohl around their eyes & stains made from berries for their lips to enhance their appearance. We have come a long way since then, but one thing hasn't changed: Gals love their makeup! This step by step makeup book will get you that 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s & 60s look while giving you a little history.

The Bombshell
The classic bombshell, clear porcelain skin, black eyeliner & red pouty lips. Learn how to get that sultry 50s look! These 8 easy steps will get you that glowing skin & bedroom eyes.

The 1930s
Throughout this whole book you will learn tidbits of makeup history, a little about each decade. I think you will find it pretty cool to see the similarities of what a gal back then would have on her vanity compared to what you may have on yours today!
In chapters like 'The 1930's' you'll get a history of the makeup and techniques of the time, as well as instructionals on how to do that look with today's products.








The 1940s
A little more history for you! If you don't know anything about the 40s maybe this chapter will give you a look into the ladies of the past & their lives. During the 40s makeup was still very important, but had more of a "natural" look. During the war less makeup was applied due to rationing. I find all of this fascinating, in this chapter you will also read about WWII & wearing makeup at work, as compared with wearing makeup in the military. Fantastic chapter with a lot of her-story!

Jessie's Favorite 12 Dresses of Xmas!

(Click Above for Links to these Great Dresses!)

Here it is ladies, my 12 favorite dresses just in time for the holidays!
Get them for yourself or give that significant other a hint hint nudge nudge of what you really want this year!

1. Twiggy Dress Black/Red- Have a very Mod Christmas in this 60s inspired Twiggy dress. Available in red/black & black/white.

2. Vixen Dress Red/Black- Show your holiday spirit in the red Vixen dress!

3. Kool Yer Jets Calaveras Dress- It's time for some holiday fun... in your new Kool Yer Jets dress!

4. Living Dead Herringbone Dress- This dress is a perfect fit for any time of year.

5. Cupcakes Picnic Starlet Dress- You will good enough to eat in the Cupcake Picnic Starlet Dress.

6. Lucky 13 Ruby Dress- You won't be waiting alone under the mistletoe wearing the Ruby dress from Lucky 13!

7. Hell Bunny Wendi Dress Black- Here's the black dress you've been searching all year for.

8. Miss Fortune Atomic Dress Red- Perfect gift for yourself or for that gal that loves everything vintage. Available in red & black.

9. Steady Spiderweb Halter Dress- Your holidays will be a scream wearing the Steady Spiderweb halter dress.

10. Paperdoll Sew What Dress Leopard- A great leopard dress is purrrr-fect for any time of year!

11. Hell Bunny Motley Dress Red- You'll be swingin' this holiday in the Motley Dress from Hell Bunny. Available in red & black.

12. Pinky Pinups Doll Dress Leopard- It's time to rock around the Christmas tree in the Pinky Pinups Leopard Doll Dress!

Jessie's Top 5 Fave Shoes!

Click for larger image.


Welcome to Jessie's Junk Drawer!
Every few weeks I'll be posting my favorite everythings and anythings here.

This week were going to start off with....Drum roll please....Shoes!!!

1.The Beast Booties- Okay I know these are a bit pricey but I'm so obsessed with them I had to mention them here! These boots by Irregular Choice are just amazing… period!

2.Bordello Black Glitter Heels-Bordello makes amazing heels and I adore these black glitter heels! Don't be afraid of the height on these heels either! The platform makes them super easy and comfortable to walk in.

3.Pinup Couture Glitter Heels Pink- Another all time favorite of mine are these heels from Pinup Couture. How could you say no to pink glittery vinyl heels?!?

4.Fred Perry Canvas Hi Tops- Lookin' for some new kicks? Then you need to check out these hi tops from Fred Perry. Love these!

5.TUK Leopard Print Boots-Everyone needs a good pair of boots for the winter so why not check out these Leopard print boots from TUK!

Jessie's Top 5 Faves for Fall!

(Click Above for Larger Versions!)

1. Sourpuss Atomic Cardigans: Fall is coming which means every gal needs a cardigan or 5 in their wardrobe. I love our new Atomic Cardigan collection! Retro inspired embroideries on cozy cardigans!

2.Johnny Cash Hoodies: Another thing I can't leave the house with is a good hoodie! This Johnny Cash zip up just may become my regular for the fall and probably work itself into winter layered under a jacket!

3. Dickies Denim Black & Indigo Leggings: These are a must for your fall wardrobe! Dickies girl mock 5 pocket jeans in indigo or black. These jeans are low rise, skinny and stretchy so they are a perfect match for tunics or long tees!

4 Tights!: I don't think I could go a week without wearing fishnets or some kind of tights. We have so many to choose from how can you just pick one!

5.Bettie Page Makeup Cases: If you're like me and can't live without your signature shade of lipstick & eyeliner then these bags are what you have been looking for. Perfect for any gal on the go! You can now have all your makeup basics by your side all the time. Choose from black, red or pink!

For the Love of Polka Dots!

(Click for Larger Version!)

This week we want to put a spotlight on all of our favorite and newest items we have in that are Polka-Dot themed!
Click on any of the titles below to go to our site to check out that item in further detail, and treat yourself to one!

1.Anchor Bow Barrettes: Made by Sourpuss Anchor barrettes in red with black and white polka dot satin bows, Snap back barrettes, Comes in a pair.
2.I'm From Bury Heart Heels: These pin up inspired heels are truly one of a kind! Black and gingham leather/fabric upper, over sized polka dot bow with heart ornament, man made sole, clear heel with leaf etchings, and cuckoo clock pattern on bottom.
3.Sourpuss Vixen Skirt: Vixen pencil skirts are hot! Black with white polka dots printed on stretch cotton, Back zip closure with double hook and eyes. Sultry back slit with 2 bow accents.
4.Zombie Bat Purse: Made by Sourpuss, Black with white polka dot, kiss-lock closure purse, with an embroidered applique of a flirty zombie bat (There's a matching coinpurse available!)
5.Kids' Pixie Skirts: Totally adorable pixie skirt for your little girl! Black with red skull polka dots and a black tulle hem line, and elastic waistband for easy on and off.
6.Heartbreaker Dottie Top: White with navy polka dots. Stretchy polyester with ruched and gathered slight v-neckline. Perfect summer top!
7.Pinky Pinups Polka Bow Tank:Black ribbed tank top with racerback and scalloped lace trim on arm holes. Pink bow accents and a polka dot strip down the front and back!
8.Living Dead Dot Keyhole Dress: Fitted bodice dress with black waistband and full skirt with tulle underlay. Large open back with zip and snap closure.

Stay tuned here for our weekly picks and favorites!