TALES FROM A VINTAGE WARDROBE

Diamonds & Paris

 

Diamonds. . .just the mention of the word entices, don't you agree?

 

The fabled Harry Winston jewelry store on Avenue Montaigne in Paris

knows exactly how enticing. . .

I have been rather entertained following this story

perhaps because it happened in Paris. . .

At twilight. . .

   

Perhaps. . .

It seems so much more romantic to read about something happening in Paris,

doesn't it?

Not to mention that this real~life story has all the makings of a great movie some day. . .

 

a beautiful blond. . .

a tall, dark and handsome gentleman. . .

who happens to be a jewel thief. . .

 

She doesn't appear to be in any danger. . .

 

except that he might steal her heart. . .

 

 

 

What's Goin' On

I have been spending quite a bit of time updating my type-lists & links~~you will see some new ones that are well worth a visit~~you will also see a bit of a "Francophile" theme going on rather than much new in a vintage clothing kind~of way. . . I figure I should only add a bit of beauty at a time.  Do not fear, the vintage list is in the works! 

I also have finally joined "FLICKR WORLD" (which I am still a bit overwhelmed by!)  and have added a link to my favorites of other Flickr Members~~you'll see it to the right:  I called it"FRONT ROW AT OUR VINTAGE FASHION SHOW"~~be sure to check out the photostream for some AMAZING vintage clothing.  It also shows some very thin models which explains why a lot of vintage clothing is teeny, tiny, and that models starving themselves is nothing new!  (Of course they lived in "Girdle World" so that was a big help.)

So, what else is goin' on?  Well. . .

First, I'd like to introduce you to my friend Karina of the World Famous Karina's Bags.  A few months ago, she purchased this vintage bag from my boutique:

 

and turned it into this:

 

The bag itself had seen better days, but she took the Vintage Bakelite frame and created this couture purse from it. . .talk about talent!  Check out the amazing bags she has~~I especially love the clutches which she accents with vintage scarves. . .she's all over England with her Haute~Spun designs, and British Vogue even did a feature on her last month!

Onto more excitement for talented designers, my good friend Lisa of Pink Lemonade Boutique was invited to participate in The Foundry Artists Association Show in Providence, RI, USA which will be held over the next two weeks.  Take a peek at these photos of Lisa's work and you will see why she was invited to this exclusive artists venue:

     

  Here she is, hard at work selling her wares!

Congratulations, Lisa, I know it will be a wonderful success story for you!!

 

I've also been surfing a few on~line magazine sites and have found these beautiful images to share; they are enough to melt one's Vintage~Lovin'~Heart. . .

This is, of course, a Chanel ensemble. . .

(the hat is similar to this one, don't you think?)

 

Another Chanel ensemble from the Spring collection, and yet a true classic, season-less, timeless,

. . .

Just Like You!

Remember. . .

 

 

 

 

 

Are we related?

Oh, the joy of being a Vintage Clothing lover!  I wandered out the other day to do a wee bit of shopping, as my daughter is sick and we  have been cooped up for far too long for this suburban socialite. . .

At the very last moment I decided to make a quick stop at one of my favorite "haunts" ( you know. those "High Security" zones that no one else knows about. . .should you disclose location you will be eliminated. . .) and I ran across this Vintage Beauty:

 

An Oleg Cassini Vintage 1960's Brocaded Chenille Coat. . .

My heart skipped a beat

Well, maybe 25 beats, once I realized I didn't have enough cash

and my credit card was useless

at this establishment. . .

What's a girl to do?

I did the dance,

you know,

"I already have enough inventory to fill a floor on Macys"

and

"This is a bit on the wild side. . .other's may not see the vintage glam of it. . ."

and I

left

without the coat. . .

 

 

But I went back today

and guess what?

IT WAS STILL THERE!

SO NOW, IT IS HERE, AT THE RED VELVET SHOE

and I am left wondering:

Are we cousins?

My sister gave me this gorgeous Vintage Bag years ago

and I love it for the simple fact

that the strap is long enough to wear over the shoulder.

(A rare "wonderful" with vintage purses)

When I found this gorgeous coat,

I was obsessed with the thought:

"Is my Vintage Brocade Purse a Match?"

ARE WE RELATED?

 

Hmmm,

similar features,

but alas,

I do not think so. . .

Hope you have enjoyed this research into

my Vintage Family Tree. . .

 

 

 

 

"Let's Bring Back. . ."

I just came across this wonderful post at Paris Hotel Boutique  and had to share it with you. . .take a moment to visit and see what some different readers of her blog would like to "Bring Back". . .as well as her wonderful, inspiring list. . .

 

Here is an idea of something I'd love to bring back. . .

"DRESSING FOR THE OCCASION"

Just imagine, arriving at The Theater, The Symphony, The Ballet, The Dinner Party, The Best French Restaurant In Town

and

instead of seeing jeans, sweats, men in baseball caps, sneakers, flip flops, and? pajamas?

You see something like this:

 

Glamorous Evening Dresses!!!!

There once was a time when a dress code did not have to be posted or demanded because ladies & gentlemen would never dream of going out without the proper attire for the occasion at hand.  While our society is much more relaxed in this modern 2008, we could still learn a thing or two from taking the time to dress for the occasion.

Don't you agree?

And remember. . .

 

Some Like It Red

Finally!  I thought I would give you a sneak peek at two great new (Vintage, that is) items I added to the boutique today.  They are both very jazzy, bold vintage items and will hopefully find a very happy home with a jazzy lady who wants to stand out from the crowd:

 

Wow! Red Hot 1950's high heel stilettos in gorgeous condition!    If these beauties were not quite so narrow I would NEVER, EVER let them go!  Right out of the 1950's and, dare I say, a Marilyn Monroe movie? 

 

You must agree!

After all, Christie's Auction House fetched a mere $48,300 for this pair of her shoes

 

While I cannot claim a late movie starlet ever wore the pair I just added to my boutique, I can guarantee you will feel like a movie starlet in them!!

Just click here to find out if they will fit, Cinderella!

And if your loving the whole BOLD, RED vintage thing but aren't quite ready to try stilettos

then how about this as a winter accessory?

 

Gorgeous red lambskin driving gloves. . .a great way to add a bit of color and sophistication,

don't you agree?

If so, this is where to find them!

Thanks to the grand success of Mad Men, Vintage/Retro inspired clothing is all the rage. . .but we Vintage clothing aficionadas have known that for a long time, haven't we?

 Check out this great article in the LA Times. . . 

Have a wonderful day & remember

WEAR SOMETHING VINTAGE TODAY!!

Michelle

 

 

 

 

To Family

After a rather long hiatus, I am pleased to say the new website is almost completely up and running, although the things I wished to change seemed, in the end, not so important to change.  I wanted a more professional, store~front look to the boutique, but as I am not exactly website designer savvy & was hoping to avoid a big investment for a small dream I explored all my options and did what was in my power to do~~ a cosmetic makeover.

I think life can be like that. . .we harbor over things we think should be different, but in the end, realize "that " difference would not have made such a big difference after all. 

Because when what seems to big & important seems to assume "Polly" stature is when REAL LIFE  kicks in. . .

And real life kicked in for me a week ago Tuesday when my mom called to say my grandmother had been rushed to the hospital. . . and this was the beginning of a three day vigil at her bedside.  A massive stroke led to a coma which led to her unwanted yet very peaceful death. . .

This is a "Generations" photograph we took at my mom's last year.  She had the most beautiful white, glistening hair & twinkling blue eyes. . . she didn't really smile in this photo which I regret but when she did she could make a whole room full of people smile.

So this has been a sad ,sorrowful time, but also a time of reflection for what is truly important & worthwhile. . .I didn't want to make this a place for self~indulgence but I feel it would be an injustice to not note this important person in my family's history. . .

Best,

Michelle

A Bit of Great Gatsby~ness

Looking for a great summer flick to watch with some great vintage clothing inspiration?

Look no further!

I realize many would be insulted to think those are the reasons to watch this amazing film, but I humbly admit that when I am not feeling scholarly, these are my reasons.  (Seeing some 2008 CE  fashion disaster roaming around a famous taking~over~the~planet discount store is another very good reason to watch this film~~it reminds one of a time when people actually cared about what they looked like and they looked very fine, indeed.)

I read this wonderful post over at Hemingway's Paris and decided it was time to read this book again, or at the very least, watch the movie. . .which I have done numerous times. . .and while searching for some images I came across this:

An A&E version of The Great Gatsby!  I never knew it existed and am now on the hunt for it. . .not that anything could replace the Robert Redford version but I would still enjoy seeing it. . .

To go along with the whole Gatsby theme, here is my absolute favorite issue of Victoria magazinge. . .(there are a few available on eBay if you like what you see!)  It's the July 1990 issue and it is wonderful for 1920's inspiration! 

This photo was taken at the Dunsmuir Historic Estate where they host an annual Gatsby Afternoon, be sure to scroll down on the link page for some great photos from those who have been fortunate enough to attend!  And if you are enjoying the whole 1920's fashion theme, check out this link for some more Great Gatsby~ness!

What a way to spend a summer afternoon. . .