The Art Of Haggling

In the antique world, the art of haggling comes with the territory. "Is that the best you can do?" is often the first question that begins the gentle duel.

In many parts of the world, haggling is expected no matter what the purchase. In North America, it is often limited to big-ticket items such as jewelry and automobiles. However, it has quickly become the norm during our recession and is likely to remain a permanent part of the landscape even after sales recover. As a commenter on the Fashionista.com blog put it, “Haggling is the new black.”

America’s Research Group found in a survey taken earlier this year that 72% of consumers tried to better the price tag in the past year—historically, less than a third had done so. What’s more remarkable is that 80% of the time, they succeeded in paying less than the ticketed amount.

This is an advantage for the smaller or specialty store businesses. Wal-Mart and other big-box retailers do not have the leverage to offer on-the-spot pricing. It's David vs Goliath and we're doing very well thank you.

So next time you think you can not afford that item in the shop window you are drooling over, think again and polish your haggling skills.

Vintage Tuxedo Tails

Helen Yoffe Pillbox Hat, c. 1950s

Black Faux Fur Cape w/ Faux Monkey Fur Trim

Hand Beaded Black Wool Shell, c. 1960s

40 Years of Hippies

Official Woodstock '69 Poster

It's been 40 years since the infamous Woodstock Music & Art Fair, a.k.a. Woodstock. Billed as 'An Aquarian Exposition: 3 Days of Peace & Music", it was held from August 15 -18 on a dairy farm in Bethel, New York.

Generally regarded as one of the greatest and most pivotal moments in popular music history, Rolling Stone magazine considered it one of the top 50 moments that changed rock & roll.

It was an outdoor music festival that attracted 500 000 people. Janis Joplin comes to mind as I think of all the fabulous boho styles worn that weekend.

An ode to bohemians and hippies of 1969.
Looking at the photos from Elliot Landy's collection, some could easily have been taken yesterday.

Janis Joplin

Some inspiration for your next Woodstock moment.

The Sartorialist

The Sartorialist, Scott Schuman

Originally a blog, http://thesartorialist.blogspot.com/ focuses on street style savvy fashionistas. Scott Schuman began in New York photographing people who caught his eye - but not just by the way they dressed. It was also their sense of themselves, their "l'air" or "humeur".

The blog and his photos became so popular, a collection of his photographs are now published in book form. To be released August 26th, The Sartorialist, shows hundreds of photographs from New York, Milan, Paris, Australia and Toronto (to name a few cities).

Have a look at his vintage inspired images; everyday folks who have something to say with their style.

No models were harmed in the taking of theses photographs. :-) Aren't they wonderful!

What Color Are You?

Pythagoras felt that everything was related to mathematics and numbers were the ultimate reality. Through mathematics, everything could be predicted and measured in rhythmic patterns or cycles.

I wonder if he felt that way about a person's name? Numerologists, using the theories of Pythagoras, believe that the relationship between numbers, color and the letters of the alphabet can describe what 'color' you are.

Here is how it works. Take each letter in your name and find its corresponding number in the chart below. Add all the numbers, then reduce the total to a single digit.

EXAMPLE: Veronica = 4+5+9+6+5+9+3+1 = 42

then 4+2 = 6 = Indigo

Using the analysis below developed by Interior Designer, Ellen Kennon, find out what your name reveals about you. Items below now available on ebay!

Red The most dominant personality. A visionary and risk-taker: energetic, passionate, tenacious, flamboyant, and courageous.

Vintage Red Gown

Orange Balanced both mentally and physically. Happy, loyal, takes each day as it comes.

1940s Wide Brim Hat

Yellow Cheerful, charming, magnetic, intelligent, confident, and creative. Somewhat psychic, and enigmatic. A good leader and negotiator.

Vintage Skirt

Green The perfect balance between the physical and mental. Grounded, logical, not easily influenced, rarely judgmental. An intensely loyal friend — and has lots of them.

Vintage WWII Canadian Great Coat

Blue Optimistic, empathetic, flexible, idealistic, tranquil, patient, devoted. A natural mother.

Vintage Teacup

Indigo A brilliant old soul who is intuitive, sensitive, impulsive, curious, and ambitious, with a great lust for life.

Vintage 70s Levi's

Violet Also an old soul. Intense, cerebral, wise, loving, generous, sentimental, and artistic.

Vintage 50s Day Dress

Rose Main qualities are strength, love, and leadership. Turns visions into realities.

Vintage Silk Half Slip

Gold Radiates love, joy, compassion, and understanding.

Vintage 50s Halter Dress

Supremely Supreme!

We all remember The Supremes right? To celebrate Mowtown Record's 50th anniversary, The Fashion Museum in Bath, UK has an exhibition on this month displaying the performance costumes worn by the Supremes. Over 50 outfits can be viewed.

The Supremes were the premier act of Mowtown Records during the 1960s and were the most commercially successful of Motown's acts. To date they remain America's most successful vocal group with 12 number one singles. At their peak in the mid-1960s, The Supremes rivaled The Beatles in worldwide popularity.

With the help of Mowtown choreographer Cholly Atkins, The Supremes did away with plain appearance and basic dance routines. Instead, they wore high-fashion gowns and wigs with dramatic makeup. Apparently they were instructed to perform as if they were before royalty - with grace and elegance. Motown wanted them to be equally appealing to black and white audiences, seeking to erase the image of black performers as being unrefined or lacking class.

Their costumes were indeed elegant. Often wearing full length gowns trimmed with furs and feathers or studded with jewels. Very glamorous!

And The Bead Goes On....

Jerry Silverman Beaded Jersey Dress

The history of beads dates as far back as 40,000 years. They have been made by every society and culture using items such as pebbles, shells, teeth, claws, clay, plant seeds and various stones.

Used for trading and as currency, beads were much more valuable at one time than dolling up our purses and shoes.

Glass became an important material in bead making with its discovery about 3400 years ago.

Today we think of beads mostly on clothing, accessories and jewellery using sequins, glass, precious stones and plastic. So next time you wear something sparkly, remember how 'old' your beads are!

Retro Beaded Mini Dress Vintage Susan Small 1950s Brocade Beaded Gown

Detail of Susan Small Gown

1950s Green Rhinestone Brooch

Black Velour Cloche Hat with Rhinestones, c. 1950s

What's a Batchel?

In the 1950s, school children would carry their books in something called a satchel. A leather made bag with a shoulder strap.

Today, kids carry their books in backpacks and lately, luggage on wheels. (I assume because they are studying a lot? They look like they are going to the airport.)

As a result of the Harry Potter movies, a Welsh businesswoman, Julie Deane, has revived the use of the satchel. She has even created the 'batchel' = a satchel with a handle.

When she struggled to find replicas of the Harry Potter satchels for her own children, she decided to make her own and then set up The Cambridge Satchel Company in the UK.

“The no-fuss, no-nonsense bags have been embraced by stylists and designers as consumers turn to the vintage look and want a bag to last.", she says.

Available in traditional brown and black, kids and adults alike can also choose from bright colors such as red, yellow and pink.

Aren't they fabulous! The Cambridge Satchel Company

Other satchels also available: