My Obsession with High Waisted Retro Panties - Part Two

Back in February 2015 I wrote a post called "My Obsession with High Waisted Retro Panties". It featured some favorites available online. I realized that some of these are no longer available and of course now there are many new things I have discovered, so I though it was time for an update to this post with. Part Two. Plus I went back to the original post and updated some of the links.

Also, I am finally starting to make my own underwear! I am working with a few different options to make my version of the perfect fit. And it is inspiring me to consider adding this to my Fox & Doll line soon. 

Made by me this week.

Still a favorite for the classic high waisted full coverage pantie is What Katie Did. Also I love that they call them knickers!

Rago is a US made classic since 1945! This whole life is my go-to for classic and affordable shape-wear. These are true vintage cuts that are made to last. A tip to you if you order  - size up.

Um pockets in my underwear? Yes Please!!! I found these searching on Amazon and few years back, ordered right away, and they are classic perfection. 

For something really special from France check out Fifi Chachnil, who I recently learned about from Gertie of Charm Patterns.

Another I just discovered from Gertie's presentation on lingerie is Carine Gilson. Do check out all her lovely pieces, beautifully handcrafted in Brussels.

Ohhh Lulu Lingerie and Apparel on Etsy is inspiring to make some underwear with velvets. 

I found Madalynne on CreativeBug, with a great tutorial on sewing underwear. I love the pieces in her shop, especially this particular pair. And if you want to learn to make your own look her up on CreativeBug or check out her kits that she sells here. Plus she has a whole supplies section! Anyone want to get me a gift certificate??? Hint Hint...

Speaking of kits and supplies check out Porcelynne.com, run by my friend Jen who I used to be part of a co-op with here in San Francisco. She has an online shop dedicated to lingerie supplies and kits.

Hope this post is helpful for anyone looking for something cute and new to add to your vintage inspired lingerie or looking for inspiration to make your own. 

Take note that I do not own items from each of these makers, only a few. But I sure would like to.

Update! I added the leopard print to my shop! Available in all sizes here.

Fox & Doll Wellness Gift Guide

Great Gifts for Everyone

Cloud of Protection $18 *

Clarity Mist (formally Alignment Elixir) $29 *

Roller Relief (formally Essential Oil Blend) $60 *

Tigers Eye Under Eye Oil $38*

Dabble Bag $20 *

Sippin' Pretty Tea $18 *

Melt and Restorative Yoga Sessions with Emiko Oye, good for your body and your mind $18-$130

Melt Holiday Special Kit $30

InfraMatPro BioMat from HealthyLine, use code SAFD10S for 10% off of $159

Masks $15-$25 *

Reusable Glass Straws $8-$10 *

 * items available at Fox & Doll

Subscriptions and workshops make great gifts too!

CreativeBug Class Subscription

CreativeLive Classes

Jenny Lemons Workshops

New York Times Cooking Subscriptions $5

MELT Self-Care Course

Fox & Doll also offers a selection of gift sets and gift certificates here.

Plus shipping with gift packaging and a note direct to the recipient is available.

And my newly launched Patreon is a great gift for you and for me:

Join my new Patreon page! Get exclusive access to new things I am working on and membership benefits.

Happy Holiday wishes to you -Shana

Pink Atlas Sewing Machine

Meet Adele. Named for my grandma, who I like to think would fully approve of my passion for all things vintage.

I acquired this beauty recently from Spidora Vintage Seamstress. It’s a dream to sew with. I can hardly even compare the difference between sewing on a modern machine and a vintage machine. It’s smooth and quiet and feels very solid, it also guides the fabric in such a natural easy way. She’s perfect. This is an Atlas, made in Japan for Brother sometime between ‘55 and ‘62. Thanks to Kiley of Spidora for taking such good care of her so that I could be her next owner. 

I plan to make many beautiful Fox & Doll items with this machine

My other two machines

My sewing room is looking good. And the inspiration of Alexander Calder watches over my workspace, with this banner being one of my most treasured possessions. Both of these machines were recently gifted to me. Not shown is also a Bernina sewing machine from about 2000 that was purchased new at the time, which is what I have been sewing on the past 20 years. Now that I have these other machines the Bernina will be my backup machine or used for specific stitches.

Tips for Looking Your Best on Video and Zoom: Makeup and Lighting

Some current day on camera scenarios: You are teaching a online workshop or giving a presentation and want to look professional. You have a virtual meeting and want to look put together and at your best. You want to start using Facebook, Instagram or Zoom for regular broadcasts but are nervous about how you will look. I totally understand, there are enough other things to think about with your online presence without worrying about your makeup and hair. So here are just a few tips to step up your game, and all things you can do with minimal product and time commitment.

A after and before picture of me, including proper lighting

1. Prep your skin to moisturizer it so it has an underlaying glow and hydration. Same goes for your lips, make sure they are exfoliated and moisturized. See my post about B3 products here.

2. A little foundation goes a long way. I like to start with a little concealer on the red and/or dark area, usually around the nose, right above the brows, on your eyelids and where you have any other discoloration, redness or blemishes. Then take some of that concealer and mix it with a little moisturizer to make a tinted moisturizer. Buff this into your skin with a foundation blending brush, I like a domed or scallop shaped brush made of a synthetic fiber. The buffing it into your skin gives a natural even glowing looks. I also recommend if you are going to invest on one great makeup brush go for a foundation brush.

3. Add a little blush or matte bronzer. Place on blush on apples of cheeks. And the matte bronzer on your temples at the hairline and a bit right below the apples of your cheeks close to the hairline (suck them in to find that spot). Blend well.

4. Brush your brows upwards and add a little colored pencil or powder and some colored or clear gel. So easy. And frames your face. I'm loving the ESUM Brow Pencils.

5. Curl your lashes and add some mascara. The mascara acts at hairspray of sorts for you lashes. Try my ESUM Mascara.

6. Add some lip balm or tinted lip color, my favorite everyday go to color is:
ESUM Blush Lip Pencil mixed with lip balm.

7. Add a translucent powder to anyplace on your face that has shine or gets shinny.

8. Keep the neckline of your outfit simple but interesting, and choose a flattering color or one that identifies with your brand colors. 



And now for a few camera and lighting tips:

1. If you are using your phone for video get a tripod or table top tripod to hold your camera. I also recommend a PopSocket on the back of your phone. I often put it in the pulled position and prop it on the edge of the top of my computer, then it basically hangs there steady and at a good angle.

2. Angle the camera from above, not below. I have a little shelf riser I put my computer on, or in a pinch use some big books.

3. Consider getting a webcam if you are doing lots of live video. 

4. Have a clean and non distracting background behind you. If need be hang a curtain as a backdrop. 

5. Lighting should be in front of you, or even better if you have diffused natural light from all angles. But whatever you do don't have the light coming from behind, and try to avoid light directly from above too. If there is a window behind you that you cannot avoid hang something over it that blocks the light, I put a dark fabric behind the curtains so it the brightness doesn't come through. You can also purchase a small ring light so that you can light yourself from the front, I got this one from Amazon for only $25, and it has a built in phone holder.

6. A lighted makeup mirror both helps you put on makeup so you can see what you are doing and can double as a light source in front of you on video. Plus ones like the one below (which I own and adore) even have an attachment for a phone and a separate magnifying mirror attachment. 

A great list of gear I found from the girls at https://www.facebook.com/groups/perigirls/

Riki Skinny Mirror

Want to gain more skills to step up your video look? Consider scheduling a personalized makeup lesson, hair lesson, skincare consultation or personal shopping session? I am offering all these virtual beauty services and more via Zoom. I also offer online group lessons and spa parties.

Images from a recent virtual lesson

Recent client feedback:

"Such a great lesson! Super helpful. Even with my limited makeup pallet Shana was able to help me up my teaching from home zoom game."

“This is the video i shot yesterday using all the things i learned at our lesson. Much better look! I have glasses on so you cant see my eyes that well but i put on foundation, blush, the works! Thanks for such a great lesson!”

“The best thing I did for myself during quarantine! It was so much fun Shana. What a cool way to work with you from a distance!”

“I felt so amazing after my Fox & Doll video call makeup sesh with Shana that I immediately went and filmed two of my best YouTube videos to date! The craziest part is that I was wearing less makeup than ever. And it was all makeup I already owned but didn't know how to use like a professional. Totally recommend this new opportunity Shana has available to anyone looking to freshen up their look!”

Want a personalized lesson? Check out the virtual beauty options on my site.

And watch for a follow up post with some hair tips. xo - Shana, Fox & Doll

ESUM MAKEUP BRUSHES

The Esum line is my favorite brushes. These are professional quality brushes that will last you a lifetime.

I am often asked by clients what they can do to step up their makeup application at home, and I always answer with telling them that they should purchase a few essential brushes.

Esum brushes can be purchased at foxanddollshop.com

These are my top three:

Esum Cream Foundation Brush - T47 $32.00

Number one of my top three recommended brushes to step up your makeup application to the next level. For a seamless application of cream makeup. This medium-sized, scallop shaped brush provides flexible coverage and is made with smooth taklon fiber, ideal for cream foundation, contour, blush and highlight. Vegan. Size: Hair Length 26mm, Full Length 164mm, Diameter 13.5mm.

Esum Square Liner Brush - T05 $18.00

Number two of my top three recommended brushes to step up your makeup application to the next level. I’ve always referred to the style of brush as a “gateway” brush, because it opens up a whole new world of possibilities when it comes to doing your eye makeup. A classic tool for the “press/push” technique of eye liner. This square edge brush is made with smooth taklon fiber ideal for cream to gel makeup mediums but also great for powders used soft and diffused or used wet. Vegan. Size: Hair Length 7mm, Full Length 142mm, Diameter 8mm.


Esum Tapered Contour & Highlight Brush - X52 $49.00

And number three of my top three recommended brushes to step up your makeup application to the next level. Actually it was a tie between this one and a medium shadow brush, but I’m going to make the assumption most makeup wearers have something similar to an all purpose shadow brush, so recommending this because it really will step up your makeup game. This ultra-luxe makeup brush has a medium sized, elongated brush head with a fine tapered dome for a controlled and seamless application. Made of premium goat hair for a sheer to medium lay-down, this brush is ideal for use with powder makeup mediums for soft contouring, highlight, blush or powder applications.

Fox & Doll Recommended

search #foxanddollrecommended on instagram for more beloved products.

Disclaimer: I certify that I either personally use these products or have used them for clients. When possible I use an affiliate link, so that I can keep my kit stocked.

Hairstory

Brought to you by one of the original creators of Bumble & Bumble. This line is a staple in both my pro kit and my personal home products, especially for those with natural texture to their hair.

ORDER HERE through my affiliate link and get a 15% discount


The star product of the line is NEW WASH, 8oz $40.

NEW WASH is a sulfate free shampoo alternative, cleans without detergent, and its natural ingredients never strips away your protective barrier. It only removes excess oil, dirt and styling products. It leaves what should stay and removes what needs to be washed away. When you switch to New Wash to cleanse your hair, you break the vicious cycle and your scalp calms down. Your hair is happier, healthier, and simply looks and feels much better! Say goodbye to frizzy hair, damaged hair, and locks that have lost their luster - say hello to New Wash.



Second up in my top three products from this line is LIFT: A Volume Spray, 8oz $38

This versatile styling mist – a special blend of thickening, shape-shifting resins, and fast-vanishing spirits – takes hairdressing to new heights: Trying to achieve a certain hairstyle that requires body and fullness? Our root lifting spray helps hair follicles raise the root, plump up a ponytail, or add a little “starch” to lock in shape when heat styling. The finish? Smooth, weightless, and always workable without leaving your strands or scalp damaged. So give your hair care regimen a little Lift, and don’t let gravity get you down.



And if I had to pick one more in my top three it is a hard choice but I would go with DRESSED UP: A Blow Dry Cream, 8oz $36

Dressing up is a lost art in a world that dresses down, but like that one timeless outfit in your closet, this light heat protectant lotion is the key to looking stylish, at least for your hair. Whether or not you heat styling tools, you won’t see it; you won’t feel it, but you’ll know the hair protector is there keeping things in control, maintaining body and adding just enough texture to pin hair up when you want to go all out. Whether you have curly hair or straight hair, thick hair or fine hair, adding a form of heat protection to your regimen can prevent split ends, halt breakage, and smooth flyaways that usually result from a lack of moisture from constant heat styling with a blow dryer.

Fox & Doll Recommended

search #foxanddollrecommended on instagram for more beloved products.

Disclaimer: I certify that I either personally use these products or have used them for clients. When possible I use an affiliate link, so that I can keep my kit stocked.

Shana Astrachan Portfolio Site: Makeup, Hair and Manicures

A new portfolio website to showcase my makeup, hair and manicure work:

https://www.shanamakeup.com/

https://www.shanaastrachanmakeupandhair.com/

Ten plus years in the makeup and hair industry and newly a member of IATSE Local 706 Makeup and Hair Union. Working on set for film, tv, theater, commercial, corporate, video, live tv, headshots and advertising. Based in San Francisco and available for travel.

Celebrities:  Billie Joe Armstrong, Brit Morin, Daymond Garfield John, Kat Von D, Katherine Moennig, Jerry Rice, Lena Olin, Rachael Taylor, Richard Branson, Sophia Mitri Schloss, Steph Curry, Susan Gregg Koger, Tonya Harding

Clients:  7x7 Magazine, Adobe, Airbnb, Ancestry, Apple, Bare Minerals, Benefit Cosmetics, Brit+Co, Chevy Auto, Creativebug, Creativelive, Dropbox, Esurance, Fenty Beauty, Juice Beauty, Kendo, Kaiser, Leapfrog, Lyft, Method Home, Mineral Fusion Cosmetics, ModCloth, Nylon Magazine, Old Navy, Ole Henriksen, Panasonic, Salesforce, Sephora, SOMA Magazine, SOMA Water, Sprint, Stella & Dot, Stitch Fix, Tile, Vogue, Walmart, Zenni Optical

Film and TV credits:  13 Reasons Why, All About Evil, Cardinal X, Cherry, Grande Cafe, Lane 1974, Margarita, MDMA

Theater credits:  San Francisco Opera, San Francisco Ballet, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, San Francisco