Cy-borg Monday

Cyber Monday

A neologism coined in 2005 by shop.org (National Retail Foundation), Cyber Monday is the online equivalent of Black Friday. Another unofficial mark of the beginning of the Christmas shopping season.

There are skeptics however, that this is just another ploy by the retail industry to push us all into buying, buying, buying. It's not the biggest shopping day of the year, but it is busy. 

Retailers across North America offer deep discounts, free shipping and one-day or hourly sales - all in an effort to keep customers coming back throughout the day. In the old days, when we did not have high speed internet connections at home (remember dial-up?), many people would wait until returning back to work on this Monday to take advantage of the office broadband connections and do their online shopping. As a result, online shopping is now also encouraged on Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving in the USA - encouraged to do at home, not at the office.

Our shopping habits have certainly changed. I was watching reports about Canadians crossing the border last Friday to take advantage of retailer's sales. Personally, I don't see how that is saving much. The time to travel, the petrol wasted, the long line-ups...not my idea of shopping, but apparently some say it is well worth the trip.

As old-fashioned as I may be, I definitely prefer online shopping with my computer, to standing in line at the mall.

I know there are great deals out there...will you be taking advantage of them?

Black Friday? A Canuck's Perspective

Today is Black Friday. Urban myth deems today the busiest shopping day of the year -- the day after Thanksgiving.

This is a day Canadians are not as familiar with due to the fact that our Thanksgiving happens in October. By this point the Thanksgiving holiday is a distant memory and we have already been listening to Christmas carols in the shopping malls and watching holiday decorations magically appear.

But our American friends unofficially mark today as the opening of the Christmas shopping season, giving way to door-crashing sales (who wants a crushed door?), deep discounts and enormous queues and crowds.

Apparently, the term came from the Philadelphia Police department in the 1960s who were none too thrilled when dealing with the massive traffic jams and over-crowded sidewalks.

More recently, accountants have referred to it as the period when merchants often go from being in the red (a financial loss), to being in the black (making a profit).

And of course, we now have Cyber Black Friday, referring to shopping online. This is when smart shoppers stay within the comfort of their homes and shop online, still taking advantage of many deals. I don't know about you, but my computer is much warmer than standing in line at dawn, with probably a slim chance of purchasing that item that apparently just can not wait for another day. :-)

And of course there is Cyber Monday.  Confused yet? You will have to wait until Monday to be free of the confusion.

Do you start your holiday shopping on Black Friday? If you do, just be careful out there!

The Fashion Birdcage

The Fashion Birdcage is an online magazine whose most recent issue is focused on vintage fashion. Yours truly, Some Like it Vintage has been featured!

Although I have always preferred holding a lovely glossy magazine in my hands, these online ones are very eye catching! They still have a magazine look and feel, and there is no paper wasted to produce them. It's a win-win situation. Plus, many are free. Can't beat that! Have a look and have a wonderful day everyone!

The Fashion Birdcage

What to Buy, What to Buy....

My family is upset with me....again. Every year before the Christmas holidays I inevitably get the age old question, "What would you like for Christmas?". And every year, without fail I respond, "Gift certificates, please."

They hate that answer.

I for one am a big fan of gift certificates to give as presents. Whether it be Christmas, birthdays or any occasion, I think they are a very practical and versatile gift. There are those of course, who liken it to writing a cheque, or distributing money at the last minute - a clear indication of lack of thought put into a gift.

Gift certificates are that inbetween gift. You know the recipient likes that store, but you also know they may be more particular in their exact purchase. I know I am. I am very finicky when it comes to personal purchases....especially clothing. I prefer a gift certificate at my favorite store and the time to wander through, browse and enjoy my shopping experience, eliminating the need to exchange or return after Christmas (along with everyone else!).

So on that note, Some Like it Vintage has branched out into the Gift Certificate business. I think the perfect holiday idea for the vintage clothing lover in your family...or for yourself!

Purchase your gift certificates here!

Vintage 1950s Red Satin Robe

 

Vintage Stratton of England Enamel Compact

 

Vintage Color & Contrast Silk & Linen Gown

 

Vintage Royal Blue Wiggle Dress

Could You Be Ruthless If You Needed To?

Most of us have things in our wardrobe that we've never even worn. Yet we keep adding to our collection and rarely clearing out. While trends do come around again, choose wisely when keeping items and definitely hang on to the classics. A good old clear out instantly allows you to see things in a new light. But how do we do this exactly?

Be ruthless.

I had an elderly lady neighbor who, when she decided to downsize her home needed to clean out her house of almost 50 years. Luckily, I was able to do some shopping in her home before she moved and garnered a few lovely items. But as her family was helping her to discard her rather large home, they ordered one of those large refuse bins - the kind contractors use when renovating homes. This bin sat in the driveway and for an entire weekend, her daughter threw everything out.

Ouch! As my friend stood next to me with a lump in her throat, she said, "My daughter is ruthless."

Perhaps they were constrained with time and could not delivery everything to the local charity shops. Perhaps her daughter was not sentimental, (although her mother certainly was), or perhaps there are reasons I cannot comprehend. Either way, when the time came to downsize, it was obvious they just could not take everything with them.

Would you be able to downsize in this manner? Do you hold onto things for sentimental reasons? Perhaps we should just not collect so many things as it may one day be difficult to part with if necessary.

...but I like my things.

White Dinner Jackets After Labor Day?

Ah, the white gentleman's dinner jacket. When exactly is it worn? Originally, white jackets were adopted in more tropical climes where the traditional dark and heavier weight fabrics were too uncomfortable to bear in the heat. Also, it's really not white, more of an ivory color. Still, it's mostly accepted that a white dinner jacket can be worn in the warmer summer months, up to Labor Day. The Brits refuse to wear it at all. I think they are missing out on something wonderful.

Personally, I think they are very sleek and elegant, although tend to agree about the warm weather wearing. It just fits with the tropics.

One can not deny the sophistication of Bogart in his white DJ. From the movie Casablanca.

 

This photograph I am particularly fond of. Two gents in white DJ's with a bride sitting in a vintage car. The chap on the right in the cowboy hat is my dad, and that was one of his automobiles. My dad was cool. It seems every gent has a bit of Bogie in them when they don a white DJ. No exception here.

Coziness in Wool

I'm not particularly fond of winter. Who am I kidding? I hate it. However, I find some comfort in the cozy, knit, soft sweaters that I pull out from the cedar chest each year. It makes the cold of winter a little more bearable. Here are a few that would be a treat to wear!

Lucky Brand Vintage Sweater

What a great color combination!

Rebecca Taylor Fringe Crop Sweater 

Even the color is cozy.

Vintage Hermes Silk Sweater

Love the equestrian theme, will go well with riding boots.

 

Ralph Lauren Cardigan

Just need the outback cabin for this one!

 

Vintage 60s Gent's Wool Sweater

Don't forget the gentlemen!

Vintage Cashmere. Perfect. NUFF SAID.

Grumpy 'ol Tracy

Spencer Tracy. What a chap. He is often mentioned alongside Laurence Oliver and Marlon Brando as one of the greatest movie stars of all time - a well deserved accolade.

I watched (again) Woman of the Year. Along with Adam's Rib, this is one of my favorite early Spencer / Hepburn movies. His character portrayals are meaningful, natural, and played with such integrity, one understands completely why he is still eminent beyond or above comparison today.

I enjoy his style as well. Even as a young man, he always seemed disheveled, suits never seemed to fit quite right and his hair had a mind of its own. This was his charm and appeal, occasionally displaying a type of amusing grumpiness. In Father of the Bride, he insists on wearing his shrunken coat tails, refusing to pay for a new suit. So there he stands, before a mirror - pulling, tugging, forcing his front button closed over his generous mid-section that has accumulated in his mid-life years, apparently without him noticing.

Not all gentleman must be perfectly coiffed. A sense of thrown together style is most attractive. To me, it demonstrates he is thinking of more important issues of the day. His clothing and hygiene remain essential, but somehow he is more concerned of those around him, than of himself.

 

 

 

This Just In!

This Just In!

We have a section of vintage clothing that is called Creative Vintage. For those who do not know, we up-cycle some of our items. Quite frequently, I will come across an item that is just fabulous, but has been ruined and is not wearable. This is where I can become a vintage handy-person and play fashion designer for a little bit. Sometimes the results are quite stunning - if I do say so myself!

This is a Miss Balmain dress from the 1980s. It had a huge rip in the skirt near the angled hem and for the longest time I could not figure out what to do with it. In a moment of inspiration, I added this stunning black and sequined wide trim to it. Voilà. This great dress is completely wearable once more and not in our landfills. That felt good.

Creative Vintage - Miss Balmain Plum Strapless Dress

My friend Rita helps me out as well. She is a much more accomplished tailor than I and can create entire outfits from scratch (whereas I can only make alterations). That is a talent I would love to have! Here are a few of her creations.

Purple Knit Mini Dress

Retro Red Velour Dress

 

Seafoam Green & Tulle Gown

To see all of our Creative Vintage items, visit here!

Wishing you all a wonderful Friday. 

Gentlemanly Manners

Okay, without getting into too much detail or personal points, I went on a date recently (yes, I'm single...). Having been brought up in a family where the gent's used to hold open doors for ladies, and being once married to someone who insisted on opening the car door for me, I do not think twice about whether my date will do the same for me - I actually expect it.

Until the other day. Have I become so spoiled? When the date in question simply unlocked the car door (with a remote of course) and just jumped into the drivers side leaving me outside of the car, I had a pang of being insulted. I am not the sensitive type, nor a feminist. I believe in equality. But as my readers know, I am a stickler for good manners.

I believe it shows a great deal about a gentleman when he opens the car door for his lady, any lady. What do you think? Are there certain mannerisms you expect?

And of course, the lady must be gracious and say thank you. It may be expected in my minds eye, to open the door, but it is also greatly appreciated.

The Last Time I Saw Paris

On the weekend I settled in front of the fireplace, with my beautiful siberian husky napping on the rug and began watching "The Last Time I Saw Paris". A great 1954 movie with quite the cast!

Elizabeth Taylor
Van Johnson
Walter Pidgeon
Donna Reed
Eva Gabor
Roger Moore....yes, even before "The Saint" - handsome devil.

A traditional love triangle loosely based on F. Scott Fitzgerald's Babylon Revisited. A gem of a movie I had not heard about.

The point here is that I was drooling over the short hairstyles worn by Elizabeth Taylor, Eva Gabor and Donna Reed. So much so that I am seriously considering chopping my locks off. How elegant they are!

  

 

Of course, it helps to have Roger Moore standing behind you pouring champagne, while you recline in a stunning chiffon gown...but I digress.

Ah, the freedom and ease of short, sassy, sexy hair. I have been growing my hair long for so many years, that I have become weary with all the 'in-between stages'. It can be a traumatic event to cut one's hair short. I have done it in the past and it looked fabulous. Looking back however, these shorn haircuts also coincided with major changes in my life - as is often said, 'a change is as good as a holiday'. Perhaps I'm ready for a shakeup - or maybe I will just board a plane and take a holiday. It may be less stressful.

Have you ever made a major change and did it turn out the way you wished?

40 & Over-the-Hill? I Don't Think So!

I had a moment the other day while shopping - of feeling old. Needing some basic t-shirts I ventured into a store I never go into. You know the ones...large, disorganized, loud music playing with all the shopgirls about 18 years old. The store was Urban Planet.

The early 80s were my high school years and a time of wardrobe experimentation - usually resulting from the latest thrift store finds. Pop culture icons of the day were Madonna, Cyndi Lauper and Boy George, so our fashion cues came directly from them. The style? Slouchy pirate boots, long tees with 2-3 belts around the waist at a low angle, lots of layers under cardigans, leggings and hats. Sound familiar anyone?

While browsing through Urban Planet, this is all I saw! I realize the 80s are back, but absolutely everything is borrowed, right down to the last detail. Now I know how my elders feel when I raid their closets and fall in love with their 50s swing dresses. How many times I get a funny look from them along with, 'you like that?'. I'm sorry, I just made them feel old - and now I have just been given a taste of that same medicine.

You are as old or as young you feel and at 40 I have never been in better shape. Although I still enjoy the fashions of the 80s, it will not do to wear them again. Well, perhaps those pirate boots....

Do you have a favorite look from the 80s?

 

 

'Vintage' Black Slouchy Boots from Dear Golden Vintage on Etsy

This Will Leave You in Stitches

Isaac Merritt Singer invented the first practical home sewing machine around the middle of the 19th century. There had been many failed attempts before Singer to produce a machine that would speed up the process of hand sewing. In fact, the inventor Barthelemy Thimonnier was almost killed by an enraged group of French tailors who burnt down his garment factory because they feared unemployment as a result of his new invention.

The only reason Singer was actually successful was he had the foresight to patent his machine. It's all in the marketing - not much different than today. I will bet he did not think sewing would lead to the 1935 verbal expression, 'to have someone in stitches'. A result of laughing so hard one would have sudden stitches of pain in their sides.

Some days Some Like it Vintage will leave you in stitches too.

Some sewing inspiration.

Retro Butterick '35 Pattern

 

Vintage McCall's

It's Hip to be Square

I know I did a post not too long ago about plaid and tweeds, but I simply could not help myself today. It's a perfect autumn day here - not too cold, the sun is shining enough to warrant wearing funky shades and I just want to be outside.

Someone asked me recently what is the difference between plaid and tartan. There really isn't a difference here in North America; it makes more of a difference in Scotland where tartan denotes the pattern and plaid means a tartan blanket.

Burberry is probably the most recognizable plaid, and it happens to be one of my favorites. Authentic Burberry is produced in London, England. The black, tan, and red pattern known as the haymarket check was first used as a lining for the Burberry trenchcoat in 1924. It was not until 1967 that the Burberry Check, now a registered trademark, was widely used. The Novacheck was introduced for the younger market by making the pattern bigger and slanted in a diamond style.

Modern Novacheck Pattern

 Classic Burberry Pattern

1960s Burberry Coat

Tempted by the fake Burberry? Who isn't. There are some very obvious signs of forgery and some not so obvious...buyer beware.

• If the tag says "Made in China".....
• The patterns on authentic scarves are perfectly symmetrical from one end to the other.
• Make sure Burberry is spelled correctly and the letters should all be capitalized. It's not Burrburry, or Burbury, or Burbery or Burberries....you get the idea.
• The Burberry symbol is the Equestrian Knight. If it is on the item, both horse and rider should be clear and easily defined. If it is blurry it's a fake.
• Check for craftsmanship. There is a reason high end items are expensive. They use excellent quality materials and spend time in the manufacturing process. If there are loose or uneven stitches, glue marks, defective zippers or buttons, then it's a fake.