BRA-VOgue!

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I was watching a recent episode of the television show "Pan Am" when I noticed that Christina Ricci's character was wearing a deadly, pointy bra.  In fact all the women were wearing bras that would make an 80's Madonna quite proud!

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Why were their bosoms like pyramids?!  Well-formed ladies from the 1960's wanted to emulate current sirens such as Lana Turner and Jane Russell by wearing the very popular, conical supports popularly known as the bullet bra.  The previous decade was the start of women wanting to look Hollywood glamorous.  They had been deprived from the war and depression years so it was time to celebrate being a woman and enjoying some luxuries that were becoming available. Every woman wanted to look like the pin-up sweater girls.

I must say though that these poor women must have been feeling constant discomfort until more comfortable fabrics such as nylon replaced the corset-like contraptions.  They were also easier to wash.  

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It's amazing that the silhouette of a woman can so easily determine from which era she derives.  I must say that these 1960's women with such upturned bras, look so unnatural.  This pointy style also allowed smaller breasted women to feel boosted.  My underwire bras have been good to me!

The bullet bra went out of style in the 1960's as underwire designs came into vogue with softer fabrics and more natural looking profiles. I'm grateful for our current "support systems" but I am still in awe of gorgeous women like Marilyn Monroe who sported the bullet with flair.

Jewelery Giveaway by Poshlocket of New York!

We have a new giveaway dear readers, and it's great!

Win these two (yes, two!) fabulous jewelery pieces by Poshlocket

Abbey Fabric Wrap Bangle Bracelet

Brynn Beetle Pendant Necklace

"Poshlocket is an online fashion jewelry boutique based out of New York with designs that are simple but edgy and elegant yet modern. They carry a wide range of styles so Poshlocket is for everyone! They have an awesome shipping policy.  Free shipping and returns for all orders!   Also they have a new promotion every month so check their blog every month to see what the promotion of the month is. It's best to follow on Twitter and/or Facebook to see get updates and promotions and other fun deals! "

To enter the contest, follow these steps:

Follow Poshlocket on Facebook or Twitter

For an extra entry, subscribe to their mailing list!

Leave a comment on this blog letting me know you have followed and if you can, let me know what your favorite item from the Poshlocket store is!

A follow on the SLV blog would be great at the same time, but not required to enter the contest. We just love hosting giveaways :-)

Only open to residents of the USA at this time.

Wishing you good luck and jewelery. This giveaway will run for the entire week to October 30th. Tell your friends!

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!

Ebay Weekender

With winter having finally passed us, it's high time to bring out the fabulous jewellery. Hidden under coats, hats and scarves, let's sparkle again for spring!

Vintage Emerald Green Rhinestone Parure

 Vintage Edwardian Gold Brooch & Earring Set

Vintage Art Deco Verdite Diamond Ring

Vintage Tiger's Eye Gold Necklace

Vintage Gold/Sterling Amethyst Necklace

Vintage Dual Gold Ruby Enamel Bracelet

Polyoxybenzylmethylenglycolanhydride

Eh?????????? (That's the Canadian response....)

Unless you have a degree in chemistry, that's Bakelite (pronounced Bay-Ka-Lite). One of the first plastics made from synthetic components, Bakelite was originally used for its electrically non-conductive and heat-resistant properties in radio, telephone casings and electrical insulators. Also in such diverse products as kitchenware, jewelery and children's toys. In 1993 Bakelite was designated an ACS National Historical Chemical Landmark in recognition of its significance as the world's first synthetic plastic.

The retro appeal of old Bakelite products has made them quite collectible in recent years. Due to it's lightweight properties, it is perfect for designing and making jewelery. Particularly popular in the 30s and 40s, the wide array of colors that were introduced were an immediate hit - not to mention, the cost was considerably lower than precious jewels. Something Ms. Coco Chanel was in tune with!

Here are some lovely items, all now available on ebay.