Quick Update ...

It's been a whirlwind summer , we moved the shop - which was so much harder than I could have imagined- to a bigger and better location , hosted a fashion show at a local city event and now we're getting geared up for the Rockabilly Rave. yep folks, we'll be there , hustling vintage , knocking back a few and loving the music - hope to see you there ! For now I'm off on a buying trip- my favorite part of this job... wish me luck !
Before I go please enjoy a few shots from our fashion show.....

Stop me before I buy these ! Seriously fab sunglasses....

We are saving our pennies here at SH HQ and can't bear to see these not go to a good home . They would match perfectly with a sparkly lucite purse In my collection but I must stay strong !

Besides, i already own an incredible pair that bring me great joy, I'd feel like I was cheating on them if i purchased and equally fab pair. It would be like cheating on a lover .
I think they are a bargain at $46 ! http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=26899947

No more Viva Las Vegas for me !

I had the misfortune to hit the local newstand and see this publication "rebel Rodz" (Rods are infiniltey cooler when spelled with a Z - wacky !) Having bowed out of the last 3 VLV 's I was slightly horrified to see what it all has come to. These pics don't show the worst of it, one of their "viva las vegas" girls not shown here- is wearing an outfit more appropriate for a Judds concert circa 1987. Patchwork Denim over-the -knee boots anyone ?

I for one often wear a Diner costume to Viva - when I am not wearing my pink poodle skirt and plastic rhinestone cat eye glasses or course !

Wait, is that Mariah Carey in the gold 70s swimsuit ?

Really now, has it gotten this bad? All costume and polyester shadow of real rockin style ? Say it isn't so.
I will say there were no less than 10 " retro, rat rod, rockabilly" type magazines at the newstand . This one is by the same publishers as Easyriders, the bitches on back biker magazine thats been around since the 70s at least. If they are jumping on this trend it must be pretty mainstream.

Viva used to be amazingly fun, the first few years, and maybe it still is if you stay away from the car show. Which is sad beacuse the car show used to be great too - back when the lot was half full !
Maybe I'm a snob ! I kinda feel okay about that. I realize they'll move on to the next bandwagon, and we'll still be here when they do.

Where are MY perfect shoes ?

The quest for really great vintage shoes is never ending, I was looking for comfortable 40s wedgies , and i think im good there, but my real never ending quest is 50s flat leather sandals - I sold this pair a few years back and can't get them out of my mind ! They were a sz 6 and i actually tried to fool myself into believing my 8 1/2 foot looked perfectly fine in them . Needless to say delusions are impractical and I had to let them go.... I search vintage shops/ ebay etc and just can't seem to some up with a great pair in my size ...

The other empty place in my heart is in the shape of a great pair of 50s flats ! I am selling this pair on my website but sadly for me they are a sz 7 ! Suede with a rhinestone starburst on the vamp -they really are the shoes of my dreams !


So I'm putting it out there to the universe . I've just donated 8 or 9 pairs of shoes I don't love in order to leave room for my dream shoes. Thanks universe, i'll be here waiting .....

Pretty in Prom .....

I smile every time i pass this in the shop !

It's prom season here and the gals seem to be on one side of the fence or the other - micro mini 80s or full on frothy cupcake 50s ! I dont have to tell you which I love more, but their youthful giddiness makes me vicariously happy , and thrilled to be doing what i do. I make people smile, I make them feel like princesses, vixens, and starlets - how cool is that.

My prom in the early 90s was a parade of gag inducing Jessica McClintocks and hella huge hair !

Me, I was in my black phase, I wore a lace off the shoulder dress , it was short, with a full skirt .

I wore flats !! I barely wore makeup and never wore heels until my early 20s - my friends now would never believe it !

My hair was an asymetrical chin length bob that I wore with the ends flipped up !

My date was my first love , our local rock star and record store nerd, and he had approximately the same haircut , minus the flipped ends !

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!

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 !!