The WHITE Thing To Do...

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!



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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.

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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

Gatsby is Better Than Ever!

Looks like we'll be entertained by another beautiful version of "The Great Gatsby" starring Leo Di Caprio.  Set for December release, this visually spectacular film will hopefully live up to the true intentions of writer F. Scott Fitzgerald. You can be the judge on that one!  Hollywood is again looking to the roaring 20's as a way of showcasing the past and to hopefully revamp their somewhat sagging industry.  Directed by the always interesting Baz Luhrmann, this film is sure to be spectacular in scale.

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Leading man Di Caprio looking pensive as Jay Gatsby

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On the set

Hope Santa leaves some movie coupons in your stocking as this film opens Christmas Day...

Carol

New Items Now Available!

A leap year about to be upon us next week. February 29th gives us an extra day to wear our favorite vintage clothes!

New items now available. Have a great weekend everyone!

1930s black lace and satin lingerie robe

1920s hand embroidered black satin flapper dress

Edwardian silk and sequined corset blouse

Tooled leather saddle purse

Retro chiffon embroidered dress with matching jacket

You Want How Much?!

Ah, this coat. This fantastic 1920s wool wrap coat.

As soon as I listed this I was hit with a flurry of interest. Fabulous right? Of course. But it made me ponder the question (again....) of how to price vintage clothing. 

The price of this coat was a very reasonable $125. Some may think, why so cheap? Others may think, that's about right, and yet others may think too expensive.

This coat was sold within 48 hours of listing and because I received so many emails of people interested in this coat, hoping the sale would not go through and could I let them know, I re-evaluated the price I placed.

There were a few issues with the coat. Obvious yellowing was apparent on the front, right where the buttons are, there was a small hole and the pocket had a repair.

 

Generally when I price something, I think to myself, "What would I pay". So I stand by my price because of the issues. Regardless of how old this coat, I feel $125 was fair and not too cheap, and not gouging. 

I refuse to be one of those sellers who sell at outrageous prices just because something is old. I stand by my integrity and price valuations. If something is a lower price, then kudos to the buyer who snapped it up. If something is a higher price, then the buyer who wants the item is willing to pay for it. I am a fair seller of vintage clothing and believe quality = value. That is how I shop and that is how vintage consumers should too - don't be fooled by high prices and thinking it must be really valuable. In many cases, high prices do not mean better quality. It could mean something is more rare and definitely that is worth the higher price. Just be careful out there and do a bit of homework.

The Beauty of 1920s Lingerie

I love, love, love lingerie. So my excitement is growing with my huge collection that I recently acquired. This beautiful black silk 1920s envelope chemise is delicate, sexy and beautiful. 

1920s lingerie needed to change to accommodate the shorter dress styles. The envelope chemise (a.k.a. camiknickers) showed up around 1910 and is what we may call today, the teddy. A one piece undergarment which is a combination of a camisole and panties - typically looser and will attach at the crotch. No need to wear anything else :-) Ahh, imagine the freedom from corsets if you were a gal in the 1920s!

Now available $120

New Items Now Available

It is indeed a Happy New Year when I can share some beautiful new items with you. 

Have a great weekend everyone!

1920s Midnight Blue Embroidered Womens Jacket

1930s Satin & Silk Gown with Matching Cape

1950s Velvet Embroidered Dress

Nicole Miller Silk Handkerchief Halter Dress

1920s Wrap Coats

I have exciting news! I have procured a very large collection of pre 1930s fashions from a local collector here in Toronto. I am slowly going through the 16 boxes of amazing vintage clothing, many items dating back to 1880. 

I can't tell you how fabulous this is for a vintage dealer - I feel like I hit the jackpot. Stay tuned dear readers as I list some extraordinary items in the coming weeks and months.

This first piece is a 1920s wool wrap coat. Significant outerwear for women in the 1920s, these coats often have a beautiful focus of an extra large button to wrap or close on the sides. This stunning dark brown patterned coat has wool weaved trim and large collar. No sooner did I list it than a customer from the UK bought it. I know it is going to a great new home!

1920s Wool Wrap Coat

Fashion Sourcebook - 1920s

Ride The Nostalgia Train

During December, the MTA in New York brought back the Nostalgia Train. A 1920s original train, customers who have the opportunity to ride the vintage train were transported back in time to the Prohibition era with authentic details such as rattan seats, ceiling fans and drop sash windows.

The train ran only during the holiday season, so sorry if this post is late and you didn't know - neither did I! What fun this must have been! Folks donned their vintage fashions and rode the subway. Have a look :-)

100 Roaring Classics Of The 1920s

FASHION TELEVISION GOES VINTAGE

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Most of us know the face of "Fashion Television".  Jeanne Beker has been the host for many, many years.  She has rubbed shoulders with all the greats and the not so greats in the world of fashion, art and architecture.  So I find it interesting that she writes for a major Toronto newspaper, focusing a lot on vintage fashions.



Hilary Sampliner with Beker
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This week's article focuses on a young girl Beker ran into recently at a Grace Kelly inspired fashion show at the Ritz, in honour of the Kelly exhibit here in Toronto.  This girl is a good friend of Beker's daughter and the FT host has become inspired by her fashion sense and her love of her grandmother's vintage clothing. 

Not surprising is the fact that this young woman has been inspired by the look of Audrey Hepburn in "Breakfast at Tiffany's" and "Roman Holiday".  Sampliner also gets her inspirations from a Parisian stylist who has 1920's flair. 

Chasing fashionistas around the world means that Beker is living mostly in the future of fashion, reporting on lines that are usually 2 or more seasons ahead.  But she seems to be very comfortable in the world of vintage.  I find this somewhat surprising, but a good surprise.  Beker says to be brave when it comes to vintage wear, but don't overdo it as it can look like you're draped in costume.

I say this again.  To appreciate or to understand our present and future, we must look to the past for inspiration.  Looks like Beker is doing just that!  Check out her articles in the Life section of the Toronto Star.

I'M ALL CHOKED UP!



Last year I wrote about a beloved homemade flapper dress costume.  When I was a teenager, one of my best friends gave me this necklace, which I've always worn with the dress as it had the perfect 1920's style.  I know that it's costume jewellery but I thought I would try and research the style and see if it was copied from a vintage choker.

 

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I found many that are similar in style, all from the same era.  With the stiffness of the Victorian time behind them, the roaring 20's introduced higher hemlines and lower necklines, that was perfect for fun sparkly jewellery to be prominently displayed.

In the 1920's, ladies' fashions became more casual and sporty. This new style did not suit the formal nature of precious stones. The Art Nouveau movement also shifted people's focus from high cost to whatever was aesthetically pleasing. These trends lead the way to the growing popularity of semi-precious and costume jewellery.


 

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Pearls seemed to the stars of these chokers.  This pretty product of the sea was the symbol of wealth and prestige, but new innovations allowed for pearls to be more accessible to the masses.  Most of the "common" women in the 1920's wore faux pearls which became synonymous with Flappers.

I'm fairly certain that my necklace is a 1980's reproduction, but I've worn it on many occasions and it makes me think of my friend who now lives far away.  The piece isn't vintage but it was certainly vintage inspired.