Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Must see: the Powder and the Glory on PBS

I love a good entrepenurial tale and I especially love learning about women who made their mark in business - this new documentary on Elizabeth Arden and Helena Rubinstein is fascinating ! These two women started beauty empires at the turn of the century and changed our world forever, they were innovators, risk takers and whip-smart businesswomen .
http://www.pbs.org/thepowderandtheglory/ . Plenty of eye candy in this too, deco compacts and purses, fabulous clothing, vintage footage and more.
If this interests you be sure and read up on Madam C.J. Walker (b 1867 d.1919) she became the first female self made millionare in American history by developing and selling hair care products .

Unbelieveable Jo Copeland Fuschia lace and Black Jersey



Seriously ? I ask you dress; are you seriously so amazing ? From every angle late 1940s couture quality , elegant , quirky, sexy without being too revealing, and that pop of color ! Pinch me!
There is so little information out there on Jo Copeland, but I did read that she designed directly on the body instead of a dress form. In person you can really see how the draping and fit are extremely body concious and flattering. I really love the use of jersey and the extreme asymetrical bodice.

My favorite repro of all time


It's rayon , has a darling heart print, cute cuffed sleeves with contrasting red lining, a peplum and is over the top 40s cute , but its totally 70s ! Joseph magnin , a lovely crepe and cute as pie.
And how lucky am I ? My new shop gal also makes a naturally good model, I think she shows off my clothes beautifully !
She also happens to be a fabulous artist and smart, sassy young woman who plays the washboard and is an aspiring bluegrass musician . I really do meet the best people in this business!

Thursday, February 26, 2009

His & Hers 40s Catalina Deer Sweaters


Normally matching couples make me a little queasy, but when it comes to Vintage Catalina Knit sweaters - I can make an exception ! I am already fantasizing about sitting by the fire with my boyfriend at a snowy lodge drinking hot toddies and listening to The Bing Crosby Christmas album . Perhaps if we both shrink enough by Christmas it will come true ! Don't hold your breath ! Oh and besides I'd have to heavily drug him to wear a sweater with a cute deer on it - Anyone wanna trade for a set with Marlin prints ?

A quick tease, todays Hawaiian find ...

This deadstock (seriously!) Red Malihini Hawaiian dress followed me home today - isn't she pretty !!


Anne Fogarty Bazaar 1952 and Ebay delights !






Another ad from 1952 , and a good segue to introducing a favorite Vintage Ebay seller - FABGABS who also happens to be a swell gal .
If you havent seen her goods heres a peek, a green Velvet Anne Fogarty of the same era.... The auction ends in a few days, but if you miss it don't despair she regularly presents a wonderful array of the good stuff ! Find this and other goodies here:http://stores.ebay.com/Fab-Gabs-Fine-Vintage






Bargain shoppers will love this auction from the UK another Anne Fogarty starting at 7 pound !
Not the best pics but hey its a bargain ! I think their mannequin looks like a certain tabloid star - so theres a bonus giggle there.... heres the auction link http://cgi.ebay.com/VINTAGE-50s-BOMBSHELL-WOOL-WINTER-DAY-DRESS_W0QQitemZ400033402912QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Women_s_Vintage_Clothing?hash=item400033402912&_trksid=p3286.m63.l1177

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Bazaar April 1952



I have two favourite vintage fashion Magazines , Bazaar for the sublime high end designer and couture wear in the editorials , and Seventeen for the live out loud fun color , the casual play clothes and the divine swimwear .

This issue of Bazaar from 1952 features some wonderful editorial shots but the ads are gorgeous too and feature some of the Vintage worlds favorite labels and designers. In 1952 these labels would have been out of reach for most Americans , but through the magic of Vintage shopping you can purchase these works of art for what amounts to a song when you consider the quality of the fabrics and construction and the timeless designs. A quick search on the web will find you many of these names for under $100 !




Lilli Ann - this suit was $100 (approx $800 today) in 1952 made of imported French fabric of the highest quality . The bell sleeve is breathtaking !

Jerry Parnis - A label I've been lucky enough to posess now and then, always uber-flattering , with simple but lovely prints. 100% New Look early 50s beauty ! ( In fact check out this Jerry Parnis sz 18 pattern on ebay - for 6.99 ! 200309693014)





















Talk about an atomic bombshell , this suit was built like a rocket ship !This was $23 - equivalent to $175 today ! If you are lucky enough to have owned a Cole you'll know its worth every penny, if not go get yourself one !



This breathtaking Nelly De Grab Number in lush yards of lace is another you'd be so lucky to own today. Notice the tie-in to a silver pattern ! Seventeen and Junior Bazaar magazines had pages of ads encouraging teen women to add that special piece of silver to their trousseau . Its only slightly disturbing how much Marriage at such an early age was encouraged and glamourized. Its interesting to notice the same Seventeen magazines from 1968 have nary a fork or serving spoon in sight , rather full page spreads on Pontiac GTOs for the gal on the go !!
Lastly , I'll sneak in a Lilli Ann Jacket that will be available soon on my website ....
























Can't resist a Fella In a Gab Hollywood Jacket












The label says it all " the Playboy by Suedecraft of California! "




Though not flash like the two tone turquoise or pink and black - these Hollywood jackets evoke that casual cool California feel that just looks so good on a well dressed man. They'll be available on http://www.senoritahollywood.com/ soon ! Heres a sneak peek...


Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Loving THIS today


My Favorite thing today ... The print on this Tori Richard swimsuit simply makes me smile ! The bust has that wonderful shaped pleating that makes for a perky pair .
Vintage swimsuits are just so much more flattering and sexy. Every other body on the beach is showing enough crack and cleavage to keep the creeps leering for days , but a classy chick can look great ,have fun , relax and simply BE cooler than any other babe on land or at sea.

Wednesday, February 4, 2009