Vintage Underwear? Really?

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

Trying on A Piece of Rock History

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!

Lost Hollywood Treasure Chest of Jewels

Lisa at Collector's Weekly shared this article with me recently and when I read it, I just about fell off my chair!

Imagine walking into a warehouse filled with vintage Hollywood jewelery worn by all the major movie stars. Pieces that have not seen the light of day for 50 years. Pieces that are beautifully extravagant, expertly crafted and are true treasures. 

Actually, this warehouse exists and it is the largest collection of Golden Age Hollywood jewelery. In. The. World.

Yep. All made by Joseff of Hollywood. 

You have to read the article to believe it. Here are a few photos just to tickle your tastebuds. All photos courtesy of Joseff of Hollywood.

Head here to read.

The "most spectular necklace in the world," a giant bib worn by Ona Munson in "Shanghai Gesture."

Grace Kelly wore Joseff of Hollywood chandelier earrings in 1956's "High Society"

At left, the giant nine-strand faux pearl necklace worn by Bette Davis in 1939's "The Private Lives of Elizabeth and Essex." At right, the choker Greta Garbo refused to wear for 1936's "Camille."

Debunking Corsets

My friend Lisa over at Collector's Weekly thought my readers would enjoy this piece on corsets. As many of you know, I've procured a fabulous collection of pre-1930s garments - much of which includes lingerie. I have not found any corsets as yet within the collection, but who knows what will turn up!

Many myths about what a corset is and does to a woman's body is debunked here by Valerie Steele, who is the director and chief curator of The Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology. 

A fabulous read, thanks Lisa at Collector's Weekly!

 A long corset made by CK in Belgium, circa 1890. 

From the collection of L. Hidic, 

corsetsandcrinolines.com, via The Antique Corset Gallery.

Bianca Lyons in typical Edwardian dress, circa 1902. Image from the U.S. Library of Congress, copyright E. Chickering.

One Man's Pan Am Collection Came in Handy!

 The Real Pan Am Flight Attendants (who were called stewardesses then...political correctness was not necessarily practiced )

Imagine being a collector. Now imagine your collection enjoys the benefits of being part of a television series. Imagine that television series is Pan Am.

Despite being cancelled, the lead up to this show generated much positive buzz in the industry. Hoping to cash in on the Mad Men retro vibe, the opening episodes did well, but unfortunately did not 'fly'. Get it? Fly? hahaha. sorry, bad joke.

Anyway, Kelly Cusack who worked for Pan Am during it's last decade has managed to collect more than 10 000 pieces of memorabilia and has the largest collection known. Many of his pieces were used in the show - talk about authentic!

Collector's Weekly has a great interview with Mr. Cusack. Have a read, it's very interesting!

Pan Am Explorer Travel Bag

Pan Am Secret Agent Shoulder Bag

Glamour and Turbulence: I Remember Pan Am, 1966-91

Skeleton Keys

Skeleton Keys at Collector's Weekly

 Do you know what a skeleton key is? Other than the obvious fact it is a key, this tool has mysterious, almost magical qualities to it.

Lisa over at Collector's weekly did a great write up on Skeleton keys - their history, current fashion attraction and a few Halloween fun bits. Have a read!

The Skeleton Key (Widescreen Edition)

Antique Reproduction Heart Padlock with 2 Skeleton Keys

 

Martha Stewart Crafts Skeleton Key Embellishments

Cast Iron Skeleton Key Rack Holder

Sherman

Every time I head to an estate sale, I am always outbid on the Sherman jewellery. This is why!

Gustave Sherman immigrated to Canada and created a new life in Montreal. With no education in business or jewelery making, he opened his Sherman Costume Jewelery manufacturing company in 1947. His single employee, Jimmy Koretza was the designer and the reality maker. Collector's Weekly has a a great article about this wonderful Canuck. Read more!