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

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

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.

 

flickriver.com

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.



MOVE OVER MANOLO!



batashoemuseum.ca

 On the heels of last week's 3 part blogs on the movie "Midnight In Paris", I'm happy to tell you about a fab exhibit at our local Bata Shoe Museum featuring foot fashions from the Roaring 20's.  We are lucky to live in a city which has many wonderful museums and galleries.  I find it unique that our city has a place solely devoted to footwear.

"Born in the age of post-war exuberance, nurtured by the dynamism of the machine and seduced by the lure of the exotic, the Roaring 20s infused modern society and fashion with an energetic modernity. As hemlines rose, shoes became increasingly important for stylish women and many of the decade's exceptional shoes illustrate the electrifying synergy between fashion and design."

Everyone can conjure up images of what the Roaring 20's looked like with flashy flappers and jaunty men in pinstriped suits.  But have we thought about what they wore on their feet?




batashoemuseum.ca
1914-1917

These shoes were made by Lady Luxury.  This style represents the tension felt by women in the 1920's to become equal citizens.  Women were encouraged to be pretty and practical so the male influence of the buttons adds an almost military feel.  The sensible heel style and height are also indications of the attempt at being striking a balance of aesthetics and practicality.






batashoemuseum.ca
1920's

 These shoes were made by Philips.  Women in those days were encouraged to in athletic pursuits.  This bright pair are red rubber, "silver wing" bathing shoes.  They were worn by swimmers and fashionistas alike







batashoemuseum
1922-1925

This graphic Starburst shoe made by Th. J. De Bont could be worn today.  I think I have a pair which look similar with a more sedate all-over dark colour.  The term "flapper" derived from young birds flapping their wings as they left the nest. This "Gatsby" inspired shoe design has the Deco starburst motif shown very prominently.



batashoemuseum
c. 1925

 These shoes in classic black and white illustrate the stark ideas of designers and architects of that time.  The small hits of bronze are reminiscent of many Deco architectural details on structures such as the Chrysler building.




If you are every in my neck of the woods (Toronto), please stop by the Bata Show Museum for this exhibit (until June 2012) and their permanent collection of shoes throughout history. You'll love it!