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Wednesday, July 27, 2016

Are we still in Junior High School?......

When I read this article on MSN...I thought, really? In the midst of seeing videos on drowned immigrant children, shootings in Germany, stabbings in France and Japan..I reflected for a bit on how petty and diminished our human race has become.

I have a Facebook page because I have a business. I have to admit, I thought it fun at first to look up all my old friends I had in high school, people I have known in my 20s and 30s. It was fun to reconnect after all these years. What I really hate ...to the bottom of my soul....is hateful political views, violence, and bullying. We should be beyond all that. Now please understand...I have a strong political view of my own. And I feel very passionate about certain things. But we live in a great country where everyone is free to think or feel whatever they like. That is the double edged sword of this country. We can worship in our own way, we can live our life as we choose and we can dress in a way that reflects the people we are.

At least once a week I am confronted by people who insist on telling me what they think of my outfit in a negative way.  I dress in what suits me. I am flamboyant and fun and my clothes reflect that. I don't count on a seal of approval from anyone. But every time I go somewhere, be it post office, grocery store, fabric store; I am subject to barbs and hateful comments. Why? Is this what we have become? We never really left junior high, did we? I go out of my way, at times, to compliment a woman because I feel, we, as women, have to bear a heavy burden by working, raising children and caring for our husbands. We are always under scrutiny and it seems we are never 'good enough' . I feel all women need to be up-lifted.

When I read this article on MSN it reminded me of that day I stood in the post office and the two women behind me had a field day making fun of my gold sequin jacket. I had on black pants, black shirt with a gold sequin peace sign (ironic) and my jacket. They could not get over my frizzy hair, my false eyelashes and my shoes..(yes, I forgot, they were gold sequined too) They talked ABOUT me but so I could hear. I was wondering if I should tell them off...(the Italian in me soooooo wanted to do that) but...you see...when you deal with people who are uneducated, who's lives aren't going the way they want, it's really not worth the time. When I finished my mailing I turned around and smiled at them...why? because my life is so much better than theirs. I am going home to a man that loves me, maybe they are not...I have 6 happy healthy children, maybe they don't....I have a beautiful life...I doubt they do......

So this woman on MSN..did the right thing....she sent back the love. Sometimes it's hard to find that....but it's better than the alternative.

(copy and paste the url below into your browser)

http://www.msn.com/en-us/video/topvideos/woman-has-the-best-response-to-two-store-employees-who-made-fun-of-her-shorts/vi-BBuU9Z8




Rose Ellen Moore
www.rcmoorevintage.com
1561 main st hellertown PA
18055


Wednesday, July 20, 2016

Do we have any privacy at all????

Yesterday in the news, a model body-shamed a woman at the gym. She actually photographed her naked body, blurred out the 'vital parts' and put it on twitter. Can you believe that?  I can.

Unfortunately we live in a society where nothing is private. Everything is on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Here's the sad thing, ...you are on there whether you like it or not.

I go to the gym every morning. I literally roll out of bed and put my workout clothes on. Teeth not brushed, no make up on and glasses. Hair is a frizzy ponytail on the top of my head. It's not pretty... I don't match...I don't care. I go there to sweat and take care of my body. I go in and in 1 hour, I go out. I hope and pray no one takes a photo of me, grunting and sweating with my red contorted face, just trying to get my miles in before I go to work. And if I ever find myself on Facebook , Twitter or Instagram NAKED in a gym locker room, I would go after that person in any legal way that I could. Where is the respect for someone's privacy?  Not only that, but this woman who Dani Mathers, a playboy model, disrespected, was at the gym, to take care of herself. Kudos to her.

Read the article below, it's interesting and congratulations to Christine Blackmon who wrote an open letter to this model. Just goes to show you....don't look for beauty on the outside. Something can be painted a pretty color, and on the inside, all that's there is ROT!


http://www.msn.com/en-us/health/wellness/this-moms-epic-open-letter-to-the-model-who-body-shamed-a-woman-at-the-gym-is-going-viral/ar-BBuyXA7?li=BBnb7Kz


Rose Ellen A. Moore
1561 Main st Hellertown PA
18055
www.rcmoorevintage.com


Monday, May 23, 2016

Why do I celebrate my birthday so much? Here's why

I am writing this blog on May 23rd, two days after my 54th birthday. I am grateful to be alive. I am grateful to be leaving a 'normal' life.

When I was 17 I had horrible pain in my left ear. I had ear problems from the time I was very small. The doctors told my mother there was a problem in my left ear, and when I get older I would have to deal with it.  Well, 17 was the age. I had a large congenital cholesteatoma in my mastoid and it was deteriorating the bones in my ear . It was causing infection because it was growing behind my ear drum. It is a rare thing that happens to people, maybe 1 in 1,000.  This tumor ate everything in its path. It destroyed my mastoid bone, which is the hard lump behind your ear. It destroyed all the bones inside my ear, my ear drum, my cochlea (which helps you with balance) and it was starting to affect the nerves in my face. I had a wonderful doctor, his name was Dr Reams. He operated on me twice. One time he thought he got it all, but the second time, he definitely did. It was a horrible time. I had just lost my father the year before. I was 17 and a talented musician. I was ready to attend music school at College Misericordia. But now, I had issues.

After the operation, they performed a tympanoplasty, in which they made me a new eardrum. I could hear alittle, not much, but it was enough to have a normal conversation. Well...7 years passed and I was pregnant with my first child. Labor wasn't long. The doctor told me after about 5 hours, to push as hard as I could. I did, and I heard something pop in my head. My entire face was full of little red dots and I couldn't hear anything. I was so happy to have my baby, that I didn't say anything until the doctor said, we have to examine your face. You have some broken blood vessels. I could hear him speaking but he sounded really far away. Sure enough I had 'popped' the eardrum. I heard a 'whooshing' noise....the Dr who was my gynecologist, said that it would go away.  I don't know why I listened to him, he was the Dr of THE OTHER END...not my head. But being so young, I just listened to what he said.

After some months passed, it was not getting any better. I went to an otolaryngologist. He told me there was alot of damage from the pressure. He tried to fix it, but to this day, I am deaf in my left ear. I hear white noise all the time like the station needs to be changed on the radio. At first it was annoying, now I'm used to it. I also have a balance problem. When I was young, I was a champion swimmer. I was somersaulting into the pool in the deep end. Now, I have trouble just keeping the right end up. I used to be a life guard, now I have to guard myself. Wearing heels is a problem, I have to walk slow, and lean to the right side. It's easier to lean on my husband, but when he's not around, I take my good old time. I wear false eyelashes because it's easier to balance my face. My left side is 'droopy', but once I put my make up on, it's all smoke and mirrors.

So, why not celebrate? Every year I think, it's one more year that maybe I wasn't supposed to have. It's one more year that I am still here. So I appreciate all of the well wishes and the love.......I appreciate my life. Hey...........it could have been ALOT worse!


Rose Ellen A. Moore
RCMoore for the Unique Millinery and Vintage Shop
1729 W Tilghman Street
Allentown PA 18104
610-740-3820


for more information on my condition....you can read the following post:

http://patient.info/health/cholesteatoma-leaflet




Monday, May 9, 2016

The disregard of a woman's right to LIVE

I have been watching States of Undress since it first came out. I love fashion, fashion shows, different cultures and I thought what I was watching was the way people dress in other countries and how our country influences these cultures.

Yes, I was watching just that, but much more. I started with States of Undress Nigeria, then States of Undress Venezuela, then States of Undress Pakistan...and that one hit me hard.

In Nigeria, fashion is a beautiful statement just like here. There are political problems, there is corruption, many things that are unjust and sad. In Venezuela, it is important for a woman to be beautiful, because that could mean her ticket to a better life. If she is not beautiful she is bound to live in poverty and lack of education for the rest of her life.

Then Pakistan.....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4GU0NXriaSg

I urge you to copy and paste this url into your browser and watch as this man justifies pouring acid on his wife's face because she dressed in the latest fashion and cut her hair. In Pakistan and many countries in that region, just the fact that a woman chooses to do something to affect her appearance without permission is grounds for divorce and mutilation. If you watch the complete episode, they also pour acid on her private parts to make sure she can never have children, It is not enough to divorce, they must completely DESTROY the woman.

Women in the United States have struggled and fought to vote, to have their own bank accounts, to be able to be single and still be respected. My sisters, please do not take these things for granted. Be grateful and thankful that you can choose to have as many children as YOU want, if you want any at all. You may choose to go to college if you want. You may choose to wear what you like, you may choose to cut your hair. You may marry the person that YOU give your heart to. The fact that this woman chose to wear a certain fashion and cut her hair and she was totally destroyed for it, brings tears to my eyes. The fact that the word 'fashion' is this terrible thing is so so sad.   If I lived over in that area, I would surely be dead, and I would have suffered to die, I'm sure.

Lesson for today:  BE THANKFUL
be happy where you are, who you are with, what you have, and who you are

It could be so much worse....................


Rose Ellen Moore
RCMoore for the Unique Millinery and Vintage Shoppe

1729 W Tilghman Street
Allentown PA 18104
610-740-3820

www.rcmooreunique.com


Saturday, April 9, 2016

Shopping in an antique/vintage shop

I'm writing this blog for  people out there that do not know what it is like for me to have people in my shop that do not respect my vintage items and love them like I do.

As most of you know, my vintage shop is small and cramped. We moved here under duress because our other shop which was equally as small, FLOODED! We had about 2 weeks to find a place and this space was the only space available to move in immediately.

We are not at all happy that our space is small, but we do the best we can with it. We occupy every nook and cranny. We are also hands on! We will help you find whatever you need! We love when people come in and enjoy our shop...laugh....take photos and find some happy peace of mind. However, we do have rules that should be respected....

1. no food or drink  - all foods should be left at the front desk for you to pick up on your way out.

2. All try on's are ASSISTED! that means, you cannot go into the dressing room with a vintage 1950's tulle dress which is worth a few hundred dollars and try it on yourself.

3. My hats are delicate. The Vintage hats  and also the ones that are handmade by myself. They are not to be thrown.....(yes, a lady came in and did that) So for that reason, our hat room can be entered when I can accompany you. I want you to know that you are NOT bothering me when I assist you. I love it, I love when you are interested in something and I am only too happy to have fun with you.

Please understand that we clean all of our garments, and sometimes the cleaning process is arduous. We go to several different companies to get the results that we need. Sometimes we up-cycle which means, we make the garment into something else, either with fabric, or painting, or beads. Please do not come in and expect to get a handmade garment or hat for $5.00. We put too much time and effort into it. We are not a thrift store, we are a specialty shop. For the people who like to be outstanding and unique.

We are currently looking for a larger building, much larger. Where we can create, live and work in one space. We are also targeting 2017 for the opening of our second store in NYC. Many good things are happening for us. We appreciate the love and support of our customers and friends.  Owning a small business is very difficult. We rely on the love and respect of our customers and friends to keep our business alive. From the bottom of our hearts.....we thank you!





www.rcmooreunique.com

RCMoore for the Unique Millinery and Vintage Shop

Rose Ellen Moore
1729 W Tilghman Street
Allentown PA 18104
610-740-3820

Friday, March 25, 2016

Being a WOMAN......

Today is Gloria Steinen's 82nd birthday. I want to publicly thank her. She said alot of things that made sense. She taught me to be proud of who I am as a human being, and as a woman. Women are strong. We can take and we have taken alot of CRAP!

Let me show you a timeline that I researched. :

1920- women were finally allowed to vote. Thanks to Susan B Anthony

1921 Margaret Sanger founded the American Birth Control League. Now please understand, just because she founded it, did not mean things went smoothly. Birth control was hard to come by and abortions were out of the question.

1936- the government no longer classified birth control as obscene.   (gee thanks!)

1955 First lesbian organization is founded. They just wanted basic acceptance.

1960- The food and drug association approves of birth control pills. BUT...now you have to persuade your doctor to prescribe them for you. and if you were married, you had to have your husband's permission. Also in this same year, a man cannot commit his wife to a mental institution without just cause.

1963- Congress passed the equal opportunity act. Unfortunately this did not stop employers from reclassifying women's roles and giving them different titles so they got less pay. This still happens today.

1965- Finally.....even if you are married you MAY take birth control without your husband's permission. Isn't that nice of them?

1971- Gloria Steinem founded MS magazine. This magazine gave women alot of information and many men didn't like it. She forged on. and told women to band together and create a sisterhood.

1973- A woman gained the right to choose weather or not to have her child. Unfortunately many states still do not recognize this law.

1976- it is now illegal for a husband to force his wife into sexual relations

1978- a married woman can have her own bank account without her husbands consent.

I stopped here because I'm exhausted....and I was just trying to make a point. Point being: many women come into my vintage shop and say....I miss the 1950s!   I wish we were still back in the 1920s! NO NO NO!   Enjoy the fashions ladies....fashion just goes round and round....you can still wear the things from way back when. But who really wants to go back there? Look at all we had to fight for. And it was harder for Ethnic and African American women as well. This is not a 'put down' for men. This is an "appreciation" of how far women have come.  We are not second class citizens. Men cannot procreate without us and we cannot without them. We need each other. Men and women. We need to respect and value our gifts to humanity.

And so on Gloria Steinem's birthday, I would like to publicly claim my support to my sisters. ALL my sisters. All races, ethnicities, cultures and walks of life. We must support each other and hold each other together. Because at the end of the day, we hold the world together.



http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/03/25/ways-gloria-steinem-taught-us-to-be-better-women_n_5022031.html?


Rose Ellen A Moore
RCMoore for the Unique Millinery and Vintage Shop
1729 W Tilghman Street
Allentown, PA 18104
610-740-3820
www.rcmooreunique.com

Saturday, March 12, 2016

Lets talk about something close to my heart....MY BRA!

Ladies, ladies, ladies,

I cannot stress the importance of a good fitting bra.   My daughter recently purchased our granddaughter GinaRose  her first bra. Now of course, being a 10 year old she is not in need of a cup fitting....she can basically put on a stretchy wide rubber band and be fine. BUT, it is important for young girls to know how important and basic to their wardrobe a good bra can be.

Working here in my shop, I adore all the beautiful darts that come with a 1940's, and 1950's dress. The workmanship is fabulous. The dress is so form fitted it can practically walk off the hanger itself. Long line bras and bullet bras were the rage at that time. I am amazed at the amount of women that come in the shop and their breasts are not in the right place. When a vintage garment is worn, the dress itself will tell you where to place your breasts. If your breasts are not there, you are either using them as a belt or stepping on them!

Back in the day, a woman would go to a lingerie shop or a corset shop and was fitted properly for an undergarment. Now we have places like Victoria's Secret, that focuses more on pretty lace and push up bras for cleavage and no emphasis is placed on a large breasted woman with a back problem, or the woman who has one breast a little larger than the other. I am amazed at how our society has taken a basic, useful garment and made it into an 'accessory' rather than a vital part of the wardrobe. It's always wonderful to wear a pretty bra, but that pretty bra must do a pretty darn good job of doing what it's supposed to do, or else it is useless!

So in short, I would like to express as strongly as I can to every woman out there......GET A GOOD BRA! One that puts your breasts in the right place. Your garments will fit completely different and much better. Also, your posture will be better and you will be thankful for that when you are in your 80's. And if you are in the market to try on clothing at a boutique, come with your very good bra on, and fitted properly and you will find more dresses, or tops that compliment your figure.

Now...put on your bra...and GO RULE THE WORLD!


www.rcmooreunique.com
Rose Ellen Moore
RCMoore for the Unique Millinery and Vintage
1729 W Tilghman Street
Allentown PA 18104
610-740-3820

Monday, February 29, 2016

Sunday nite Oscars and LEAP DAY!

So......Sunday nite,.....

 I had the extreme pleasure of going to the LGBT Pride in the Valley Oscar Party. The proceeds benefit the LGBT community center in Allentown PA. Why do I love this event? Why is it when they come to tell me, "what would you like to donate to the party?" I tell them,...take what you want. Seriously...that's how strongly I want to support this center. Why? My son is a gay male....and I watched him struggle through his teens with no one to talk to and feeling so utterly alone. Nothing hurts a parent more than to watch their child hurting mentally or physically. I wish we had a center where he could have gone to talk to other teens like himself. To feel comfortable. To feel accepted. No matter how many times Clayton and I told him we loved him...he couldn't love himself. He felt 'wrong'. So kudos to Stephen Libby for putting this event together. It's so nice to feel so much love in one room. If anyone missed it, please put it on your calendar for next year.

And the Oscars.....well......I'm sure that every fashionista is out their saying their opinions and of course you all know mine. Wear what you want to wear...be who you want to be. There were so many classy and beautiful gowns....and the tuxes this year were outstanding. But what I loved most of all, was that Chris Rock did an excellent job addressing the racism in Hollywood. Lady Gaga did an excellent job of representing victims of sexual abuse. Although I love fashion and colorful clothes...I love people that will take the bull by the horns and speak out about uncomfortable things. Only with dialogue can things start to move in a different direction.

and now here we are on Leap Day. It's more like Drag-my-butt day. I'm not used to staying out late and getting up at 3:30AM. Not anymore. Those days are done for me. But here I am. I won't even post a photo. When I took my husband to work this morning and I dropped him off, he ran like hell to the bus. He didn't even look back. Because he was afraid he would turn into a pillar of salt!  I have to speak to him about getting the windows darkened on the truck. I'm sure the people standing in line for tickets wanted to wash their eyes out with bleach. And even with hair up and alittle make up on, I still look like an old drag queen. Well, that's ok...............I guess I'm ready for next years' Oscar party!!!!!!!


Rose Ellen Moore
www.rcmooreunique.com
1729 W Tilghman Street
Allentown PA 18104
610-740-3820

Friday, February 26, 2016

Sadness

Everyone always sees me with a happy face. I always try to be positive and uplifting especially when there is always so much hate and sadness in the world.  But everyone has a bad day. Yesterday was mine. 
I won't go into all the horrifics, it's really not necessary. Just a brief rundown of the day started with a phone call from my mother, a torn contact lens in my eye, a friendship gone sour, a pulled shoulder muscle, a lost shipment of feathers, an 'encounter' with the heater man in my shop, among a few other things that unnerved me yesterday.  I felt like I was walking in the ocean and wave after wave kept knocking me down. As soon as there was a lull in the day, another problem came and it was beyond my control to fix it. 
And that is what we have to remember. Some things just cannot be controlled. They come and we must take them.  I used meditation, prayer and the support of my wonderful husband  and a great friend to get through the day.  It's now a memory that won't be forgotten, but the pain is lessened. A bad day is like a woman going through childbirth. We have to go through the pain. We take them, as bad as they are, and then at the end, we have this beautiful child. In a bad day, we take all the lashes, and on the next day, it's only a memory and everything starts to heal. 
So when you look at me with this big smile, remember, some days that smile is not there. And some days I cry my eyelashes off and some days it's just SHIT! But as long as the sun comes up in the morning, we can start over. I start my diet again. (HAHA!) I call my mom again.....I just start again. And everything turns out exactly the way it's supposed to. 

Rose Ellen Moore
www.rcmooreunique.com


RCMoore for the Unique Individual Millinery and Vintage Shop
1729 W Tilghman Street
Allentown PA 18104
610-740-3820