SLV-Some Like it Vintage.com

Giveaway! Style Me Vintage Weddings

2013-04-26T11:23:00.000-04:00

WE NEED 2 WINNERS!

Is there a bride or groom in your future? Just love vintage weddings?

Just love beautiful photography of vintage fashion?

Anabelle Beeforth, owner of the UK's most influential wedding blog, Love My Dress, has given me 2 copies of her latest book, Style Me Vintage Weddings to giveaway!

Beautiful hard cover books featuring vintage flair for the modern bride - from Gastby inspired frocks of the 20s through to Bohemian designs of the 70s. Anabelle surveys 80 years of gorgeous vintage fashion, beauty & décor - an ideal gift book for the bride-to-be.

Leave a comment and be sure to include your email address. Good luck!

Contest ends May 18, 2013.

Off to the Prom!

2013-04-15T16:16:00.001-04:00

A client recently sent me a beautiful photo of herself wearing the prom dress purchased from SLV. She looks positively stunning! I feel like a proud mother :-)

Classic Nautical Polka Dots

2013-04-02T16:27:00.000-04:00

One of my favorite color combinations is blue and white. Check out this stellar blue polka dot on white!

Just listed, small size $45

100 Best Vintage Shops Online

2013-03-25T10:46:00.002-04:00

Sammy, from Sammy Davis Vintage has written a new e-book, The 100 Best Vintage Shops Online.

And it's fabulous!

SLV is featured as one of the best 10 independent shops, thank you Sammy! She has done an incredible amount of work to spread vintage love and find the best vintage shopping online.

This beautiful book is now available to all for $4.98

Beautiful photography and interactive links, I highly recommend this book for all who are thinking of buying vintage and even for those who have been buying for a long time. It is vintage eye candy!

Giveaway from SHABBY APPLE!

2013-03-06T11:37:00.000-05:00

Hello dear readers! We have another giveaway from Shabby Apple!

They are offering a $50 gift certificate to one of my readers. To enter, just leave a comment with your email and a lucky recipient will be chosen by March 22.

Shabby Apple is an American company with beautiful clothes for women. It is women owned and operated and donates to help other women start their own businesses. A company with a conscience and great vintage inspired clothing! There is something for everyone...have a look!

Good luck!

Instant Glam

2012-10-21T17:25:00.001-04:00

I adore the sequined and beaded sweater tops from the 1950s. I have many of them! They provide an instant glam look without spending a fortune. Pairing these tops with skirts or jeans is effortless.

A few others waiting for a glam gal:

Beautiful Vintage Fashion Photography

2012-10-16T13:04:00.000-04:00

A beautiful slide show of elegant and refined vintage fashion by Norman Parkinson.
This just mellows out my day!

Hey Kid! Don't Think You're Safe From the Hump Day Wednesday Fashion Radar!!

2012-10-03T00:01:00.000-04:00

Above caption says it all!
fengtastic.com

Giggle, giggle. A friend of mine from elementary school used to do this type of print ad modelling. She said the grown-ups always wanted her to do dynamic poses such as these. Hang on! Is this just one kid? Sorry, I'm trying NOT to focus on the clothes.

This photo has achieved what husband has not been able to - which is to render me speechless! "They" don't look like cute little boys. They look like Dr. Shrinker sneaked up behind some men in ugly clothes and just miniaturized them! These are not the casual and age appropriate outfits for little guys!

Verdict: Just horrible. Make it go away. I promise to be good!

Carol

Vintage Underwear? Really?

2012-10-02T00:00:00.000-04:00

No, not really. But as all vintage clothing enthusiasts eventually realize, the correct undergarments are essential to that vintage look.

Women's bodies have not changed that much, it's the undergarments that have. We all have waists and getting the correct fit is important.

Which is where vintage guru stylist Naomi Thompson comes in. Based in the UK, she is a vintage stylist! What a great job that is!

You can read all about her and her book, "Style Me Vintage: Clothes: A Guide to Sourcing and Creating Retro Looks" over at Collector's Weekly. She is just as happy with modern Spanx as she is with vintage undergarments - good ones. Not everyone will embrace vintage underwear, and there are many modern options. Even my dry cleaner won't touch them!

1950s Vintage Girdle

Veronica

Vintage Lucite Purses

2012-10-01T00:00:00.000-04:00

So my latest passion is vintage lucite purses. You have all seen them..those creative and beautiful plastic mid-century purses. Often boxy in shape with unique and very artful designs. Believe it or not, I have never had one in my collection until now.

Behold my first lucite purse:

Highly collectible now as they are no longer produced, they are a stunning addition to anyone's wardrobe or collection. They are truly a work of art and is open to such imagination. Like little pieces of jewellery, the original ones were clear and women would line them with beautiful scarves enabling them to match the scarf to their outfit.

Lucite was created in 1931 by DuPont and eventually sold. It is now a subsidiary of Mitsubishi Rayon Co. Ltd. Lucite is an acrylic, a high-end hard plastic and the most durable polymer. It doesn't degrade or turn yellow when exposed to sunlight, but remains beautifully translucent and shiny.

And the holy grail of lucite purses, the bee hive. This one is currently $495 on ebay. Yikes! But I'm seriously considering it.

Veronica

A Necklace Good Enough to Eat

2012-09-27T00:00:00.000-04:00

All I can say about this 1950s vintage costume necklace is - scrumptious!

It's a double strand of pink and cream bubble gum. The colors are so mouthwatering I want to pluck a bauble off the strand and see if the taste matches the shade.

Now available $26

Veronica

HUMP DAY WEDNESDAY FASHION RADAR REMEMBERS UGLY BETTY

2012-09-26T00:01:00.000-04:00

shinystyle.tv

Normally I would look at an outfit like this and scoff and have some fun being snarky. I might be especially brutal as she's a young girl who should know better, obviously misguided and perhaps a little blind.

However, I miss "Ugly Betty". She was not a shrinking violet, even when she wore garish shades of purple and 10 other colours all at the same time. Betty might have thought she was an unimportant spoke of an overly fashionable wheel. But her affect on the people around her, both at work and at home proved that a modest girl from the burbs can do good!

I love this polyester number, prim and very busy. It might have actually looked better without the blue turtleneck underneath. I must say that her colour matching orthodontics are a fun accent!

With her glasses just a hint too small and a mouth full of metal, she really is America the beautiful!

Verdict: No verdict today. I'll just look forward to watching an Ugly Betty rerun episode later this evening.

Carol

MANNERS 101-1920'S STYLE

2012-09-24T00:01:00.000-04:00

I love looking at societal etiquette from decades past. Each generation thinks that their young people are the worst behaved. People tend to look to the past with sentimentality and an unrealistic idea that things were much better then...

In the 1920's:

Upper echelons thought of etiquette as strict guidelines for life.

-Gentlemen never spoke of money or his possessions especially in the presence of women.
-Even stronger, a man never ill-spoke of his marriage in public, even in the face of infidelity. Any visible emotions would be considered weakness in a man.

"No matter who he may be, whether rich or poor, in high life or low, the man who publicly besmirches his wife’s name, besmirches still more his own, and proves that he is not, was not, and never will be, a gentleman.”

Men or women must never act like social climbers. There were easy signs to spot for picking out old money from new.

“When you see a woman in silks and sables and diamonds speak to a little errand girl or a footman or a scullery maid as though they were the dirt under her feet, you may be sure of one thing; she hasn’t come a very long way from the ground herself.”

Men and women were to follow the rules of social etiquette to the letter else punishment would be swift and severe. Rule breakers would no longer be welcome or invited to posh dinner parties.

Our society no longer holds these rules in high regard. We've become a much looser society. But I do like that there are some elements of good manners which has lasted the test of time - such as opening doors for women.

Above quotes are courtesy of:

Post, Emily. Etiquette in Society, in Business, in Politics and at Home. New York: Funk &

Wagnalls, 1922. Bartleby.com www.bartleby.com/95/. [4/6/09].

Thought you might enjoy excerpts from the vintage book shown above:

ETIQUETTE IN EVERYDAY LIFE 1920s

A book of etiquette from the 1920s.

Manners at the table:
Do not be late for dinner.
Do not read at the table.
Do not seat yourself before the ladies.
Always put your napkin over your knee.
Do not cut bread-break it.
Do not make a noise when supping soup.
Pick your conversation, light and cheerful.

In society:
If you visit, leave your coat and umbrella in the hall.
Do not shake a ladies hand first, let her do it.
Do not stare at people or things in the room.
Do not talk about the weather, talk about music, art, literature, sport.
Cross a room to open a door for a lady.

Love Courtship and Marriage:
A well bred person does not wear his or her heart on their sleeve.
Do not trifle with affections, to pretend to be in love is contemptible.
It is a becoming courtesy to ask the father before offering an engagement ring.
When engaged it is not usual for young people to spend much time alone.
Do not forget that your wife's letters or your husband's letters are not your concern.

Training the children:
Do not say or do anything in front of them that you would not wish them to say or do.
If the children see consideration and feeling for others displayed, they will learn to do the same.
If courtesies like Good Morning and Good Night are not taught, other delinquencies will follow.
Teach your children to answer plainly and boldly, when asked a question, two somewhat disagreeable traits that very many children exhibit are the failure to answer promptly and the other who are overbold and pert, who volunteer information or even advice unsought.

Wow, maybe I should just stay at home, eat junk in my underwear and yell at the neighbours' kids!

Carol

Cool Weather Vintage Woolies

2012-09-21T00:00:00.000-04:00

With the cool crisp mornings and evenings now upon us, my mind changes gears and I look forward to layering with some beautiful woolens.

I will be listing some suits and coats in the coming week, here is a sneak preview!

1950s Irving Posluns wool & fur trimmed suit

1970s mixed media upcycled tweed skirt suit

Veronica

A Vintage Dress with a Secret Message

2012-09-20T00:00:00.000-04:00

This dress was recently listed and it's a bit of a mystery to me. I love novelty dresses but this vintage early to mid 1980s dress has more of a message. Possibly political, certainly social. There are the words "Franks Rous", "T85" and "World" written on the skirt along with peoples faces and buildings.

I get a retro communist propaganda vibe to this, and considering it was made by Hsu Mei, I could be on the right track with communist China. It's fun trying to figure this out!

What does it say to you?

HUMP DAY WEDNESDAY FASHION RADAR FINDS TULLE MUCH BAD TASTE!

2012-09-19T00:01:00.000-04:00

whatemilydidnext.com

Hmmm....sometimes my job is really easy. Writer's block is not an issue on Wednesdays, especially with inspiration like this one!

This dress was going for bold. But the only real boldness we get here is that the designer had the nerve to call this one vintage! Yes, vintage U-G-L-Y! I'm not sure if she looks like a colourful toilet brush or a reject character from a Dr. Seuss book. It's Cindy Lou Who's unfashionable cousin!

The model looks none too amused either. She is probably feeling really prickled, unable to lower her head for fear of a nasty tulle rash under her chin. I'd be in a flap about having to wear this creation!

Verdict: Scary. Funny but scary.

Carol

Preppy at Heart

2012-09-18T00:00:00.000-04:00

I'm a preppy girl at heart. My formative high school years were the early eighties and watching movies like Pretty in Pink and The Breakfast Club. I always aspired to be that East Coast, upper-class preparatory kid and embrace my inner snob.

Well I wasn't, but I could look like it!

That's why I love when dresses come in to the store that remind me of my high school formal dances - like this cornflower gown by Richilene. Perfect floral blue cornflowers over rayon with sartouche ribbon treatment chiffon bodice. Sold in Miss Baker's store, Providence, Rhode Island no less! It's provenance is even East Coast prep!

WHY IS IT SO HARD TO SAY I'M SORRY - MANNERS 101 TRIES TO FIGURE THIS ONE OUT

2012-09-17T00:01:00.000-04:00

I've noticed lately that Chicago was right in singing "Hard To Say I'm Sorry". People just don't seem to want to or are capable of saying those repentive words to smooth out a personal or business situation. Our dear friends who own an antique and vintage furniture shop, had a most distasteful experience lately. They ordered some parts required for repairing lamps. When they arrived, it was apparent that the supplier had sent incorrect items. Trying to undo this simple error was anything but simple or pleasant.

At first, this supplier denied any wrongdoing, even though all concrete evidence proved otherwise. Then our friends were told about a restocking fee for returning said wrong products. When everything seemed ironed out, the promised credit didn't happen. When my friend called enquiring about the delay, the woman who answered the phone was so hostile and angry and lacking in any form of desire to solve the problem. However, my friend was relentless and refused to let this shrill voice have the upper hand. He said that after 15 minutes of very unpleasant back and forth, he got the apology he needed. After that, they both seemed calmer and the business with the credit went through without further fuss or delay.

Was my friend wrong to insist on an apology? Did he NEED that or WANT that or BOTH? I believe if that woman had not apologised and toned down her attitude, the situation may have escalated beyond the scale of the problem. This supplier was in the wrong and for them to respond to their error with blatant rudeness says something about the culture of this company. Without that apology, how could my friends proceed to work with this company? There would be no trust, there would be a giant brick wall between them. It would be difficult to do any business that way. It would be much the same had this been a personal conflict.

Sometimes apologies are needed to get past the bump in the road, not for ego sake.

Let me know what you think about this one...

Carol

Vintage Robots & 1950s Sci Fi

2012-09-14T00:00:00.000-04:00

This pewter stick pin just arrived and isn't it fabulous? Sci-fi robot, 1950s. It's stamped too - SCA. Makes me want to go and watch Metropolis again.

HUMP DAY FASHION RADAR - ANOTHER REASON TO LOVE WEDNESDAYS!

2012-09-12T00:01:00.000-04:00

skntter.com

Quick! Give this girl a morsel of food! For goodness sake, she shouldn't be wearing that animal, she should be eating it! GADS! You need to put some meat on, girl!

Although I am liking aspects of the winter Bond girl look, those retro boots look like she has a weird lower leg disease. What about the ski goggles hanging casually around her neck? They look big enough to swallow her entire head and still have room for dessert! The knit outfit looks like it doesn't have anywhere else to go but ride up even further into her nether regions!

Verdict: Time to cover up this colourless model and force feed her some chocolate! Knobby knees and knits don't mix.

Dear Vintage Goddess...

2012-09-11T10:16:00.001-04:00

Dear Vintage Goddess,

I'm writing to say that I'm actually really tired of seeing "vintagey" things everywhere I go. It's in the magazines, stores, furniture etc. Why is this such a big trend and when will it go away? I'm ready for something fresh and new, not recycled boring!!

I love your revamped blogs. I mainly go to your website to get my daily giggle or thought provoking story.

Kimberly H.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Dear Kimberly,

Retro Inspired
Modern technology

Love your letter. I love the honesty and your thoughts. Why do we love vintage so much these days? Aside from the lovely garments and accessories which are featured on our website, people seem to really love the juxtaposition of old design and new technology - or old design combined with current sensibilities. But you're right, why do certain decades seem to be really all the rage these day?

I think that too many chefs can ruin a broth. Today's market is completely saturated with retro and vintage inspired gadgets and copies. There's too much of a good thing happening now and the overexposure is causing this negative backlash.

I think that people like to feel nostalgic and the young people of today almost don't feel like vintage and retro things are old. We look at it as the past comforting us in cool, fashionable ways in our present. We hear a new mix from an old song and those of us who know the original tune, hear that, whereas the younger people hear it as a completely new song.

"Mad Men" cast
A big reason for retro popularity

But to answer your question of why certain decades seem really popular and when will it go away? This current movement is not just in the fashion industry, it's in furniture, industrial design and many others. A widespread phenomenon like this didn't happen overnight. It was years and years of building. The 1950's and 1960's are far away from present to become mythologized and romanticized. That's as good a reason as any. When will it all go away? I'm already seeing signs of it happening. But watch out! Another big trend is around the corner. Let's have fun with it and embraced it!

Carol

Manners 101 in the Office

2012-09-10T00:01:00.000-04:00

Husband has lamented for ages about his office dress code. He has always felt that it was more enforced on the men than the women of his company. He is in the technology industry, so that means that golf shirts are the uniform. That may seem casual enough, but the harsh eyes of Human Resources are always poised and ready to attack the men. A boring industry name can be embroidered or ironed onto the front of his shirt, but no other fashion label or statement can be seen. Even on casual Fridays, when denim pants are enthusiastically worn, shirts must still have collars.

The women on the other hand seem to have given up completely. Let's start with the beachy flip flops which are not just against dress code, but against health and safely rules at a company where industrial accidents can happen everyday. Some of the women always seem to have on trendy, stretchy yoga wear. When did workout clothing become office attire?! Other women also push the envelope by wearing extremely short skirts, plunging necklines and peek-a-boo crop tops.

Looking nice for each other is a good thought for the party or bar or girls' night out. But in a corporate setting, the adjectives 'short' and 'stretchy' should not describe your work outfits.

What happened to the "working girl" power suit?! Did that go out with Melanie Griffith and the 1980's?!

Carol

Trying on A Piece of Rock History

2012-09-07T08:33:00.000-04:00

Want to own a piece of rock history? If you are familiar with Kim Gordon and the band Sonic Youth, she is selling off a collection of her clothing at Mercy Vintage. With a very sixties vibe, there is some vintage, some designer and some of her own clothing label, X-Girl.

Lisa over at Collector's Weekly, alerted me of this fabulous sale as she is lucky enough to live just a short distance from the store. But hurry, sale only lasts until September 15.

For more information, read the entire Collector's Weekly article!
Have a great weekend!

The WHITE Thing To Do...

2012-09-06T00:01:00.000-04:00

I am currently writing this blog on Labour Day Monday, even though this post won't be published until Thursday. Why is this important? I wore my new white capri pants for the first time today as I desperately wanted to do so before the time was up!

facebook.com/oshawacentre
Lovely fall outfit in bold white

There is a small part of me that feels I'm sort of pathetic for giving in to a seemingly rigid 'fashion law'.

Ever wonder where it all started? There really isn't a definitive time or person responsible for the staunch no white after Labour day rule. However, many say that in the early part of the 20th century, cool whites were de rigueur with the wealthy set during the lazy, hazy days of summer. By mid century, that rule was set in stone.

time.com

Thankfully, this rule was often challenged by fashionistas and legends such as Coco Chanel, who in the 1920's wore white all year round. Did she do it as a protest? I think she was such an individual that such a pedantic mindset was below her. Who are we to oppose Mme. Chanel?! And yet we continue to be obliged to hide away our pretty whites when the kids go back to school, even if the weather shows no signs of cooling.

Conclusion? Do what feels right. I love white and love to wear it in the winter time by way of sweaters and shirts. I haven't had a nice white, wool skirt since my teen years. Must go shopping...

Carol

HUMP DAY WEDNESDAY FASHION RADAR - SCHOOL'S BACK SO LET'S LEARN FROM OUR MISTAKES!

2012-09-05T10:00:00.000-04:00

thefashionpolice.net

I know that my mind is in the toilet a lot, but really? I have no words. Does that dress on the left need a Brazilian?! Urin-all kinds of trouble if you wear the one on the right!

These pin-up girls need to hide in the drywall. Sorry ladies, you'd both look better in Lucy's potato sack!

Verdict: Sorry, Wasn't my sarcasm clear enough?!

Carol