Friday, March 25, 2011

Film Fashion Friday: Film Fashion Survey



I thought for this week's Film Fashion Friday it might be fun to create a classic film fashion survey for all of us to fill out. I have seen different types of these floating around the web and I think they are really fun. Hope you do too!! If you choose to fill one out, I have set up a Mr. Linky at the end of the post for us all to share.


1. Name you favorite classic hollywood designer.
At the risk of sound cliche, I think I would have to say Edith Head. She was in the business for a long time and really knew how to dress a women. I also really like that among her contemporaries, she was willing to accept input from the starlet she was designing for. I think the looks she created are iconic not to mention, she wrote a book to give the average woman advice on how to dress.

2. Who's movie wardrobe would you steal if you could?
Hands down Ann Rutherford's in Orchestra Wives (1942). The 40s are my favorite decade and Rutherford dons some of the cutest outfits in this film, really showcasing the average 40s look that many girls of her age would be sporting.

3. What's your favorite film based on fashion?
Pin Up Girl (1944). This film was a close second for a movie wardrobe that I would love to steal if I could. I love everything that every character wears, plus it's in color so we get to see all the wonderful clothing in the colors they actually were. Here I am thinking about that awesome chartreuse number Grable wears.... swoon!!

4. Favorite actress/designer team-up.
I would normally say Joan Crawford and Adrian because their work together is really out of this world, however I think Myra Loy and Dolly Tree are a team that should have some more light shed on them. Dolly Tree designed for some of Loy's best and most loved films, including three of the Thin Man films. They collaborated more than 6 times and each time produced a wardrobe drool worthy and one that any vintage gal would love to have. Dolly Tree also dressed Lana Turner in the 30s and I really feel had a hand in shaping her "look." I also really love Helen Rose's team-up with Esther Williams and Elizabeth Taylor.

5. Bette Davis or Joan Crawford?
Now, I hope no one hates me from this one, but BOTH. Here's my reasoning. Davis for being fashionable in her personal life. I love that we often see photos of her in sports wear and in pants. I feel she is a great icon for vintage sportswear. And Crawford was just fashionable in every aspect of her life. In my opinion, she is the quintessential glamour girl.

6. Favorite old hollywood fashion icon?
Lana Turner. I love that Turner loved jewelry -- both real and costume -- so much so that she had custom cabinets built into her bedroom walls to store it all. I also love that she started her career in the 30s and kept on working into the 70s, covering the most fashionable decades. She was a true glamour girl who did the nightclub circuit and was even apart of the original rat pack.

7. Most fashionable character in classic cinema?
I'm cheating and picked two. Pola (Marilyn Monroe) in How to Marry a Millionaire (1953) and Frances (Grace Kelly) in To Catch a Thief (1955). I love that Pola has to wear glasses and I feel no one could make glasses look better than Marilyn Monroe. I just love her outfits and that she still can look fashionable with spectacles on, something I feel wasn't easy to do in the 50s. And how could I not include Grace Kelly in here somewhere. She was an icon both on and off the screen and influenced fashion then and now. She had a purse name after her and was a princess!! While most love her in Rear Window (1954), I love her best in To Catch a Thief. I am just smitten with the gold ball gown she wears at the end of the film!

8. What actress do you feel is overrated fashion-wise?
As much as I love her and feel she was a very fashionable lady on and off the screen, I feel that Grace Kelly is a bit overrated. Because she has such a small list of films to her credit, I feel that many people place importance on her fashion in her private life verses her filmic life. I don't mean to discredit Miss Kelly in anyway, I just think there are other actresses who have a bigger career to their credit which showcases their fashionability, rather than just a few films.

9. What actress do you feel is underrated fashion-wise?
Linda Darnell. She has starred in some really wonderful roles which had her wearing some really wonderful clothing. Plus, off screen she was quite stylish and I often compare her to Lana Turner.

10. What's your favorite film for each of these designers?
Adrain: Ziegfeld Girl (1941)
Helen Rose: The Long, Long Trailer (1953)
Dolly Tree: The Shining Hour (1938)
Edith Head: Elephant Walk (1954)
Walter Plunkett: Duel in the Sun (1946)
Orry-Kelly: In This Our Life (1942)
Irene: The Clock (1945)
Jean Louis: Over 21 (1945)
Renie: Vicki (1953)
Travis Banton: Cover Girl (1944)
Irene Sharaff: Girl Crazy (1943)
Travilla: Night and Day (1946)

11. Favorite outfit or ensamble?

The pjs that Ann Rutherford wears in Orchestra Wives. I fell in love with them the first time I watch the movie. I know this is very simple, but I just think they nailed the lounging look of the 40s.

12. Which black and white movie do you wish was in color to see all the wonderful costumes in color?
Orchestra Wives..... can you tell I LOVE this movie?? :)

13. Biggest Oscar snub fashion-wise?
This award wasn't created until 1948, so going on that I think 1957 and the omission of Designing Woman.

14. How to Marry a Millionaire or Gentlemen Prefer Blondes?
Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. Love that outfit Monroe wears when they first get on the boat!

15. Favorite film(s) out of each genre?
Comedy: My Favorite Wife (1940)
Film Noir: Mildred Pierce (1945)
Musical: Gold Diggers of 1933 (1933)
Holiday: It Happened on 5th Avenue (1947)
Drama/Romance: When Ladies Meet (1941) or A Letter to Three Wives (1949)
Horror/Mystery: Lady of Burlesque (1943) or Strait-Jacket (1964)
Sci-Fi: Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956)
Hitchcock: Marnie (1964) or To Catch a Thief (1955)

Hope you enjoyed this little survey!! Can't wait to read your answers!!




Emily

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Mod Cloth Giveaway

Kate over at Scathingly Brilliant is hosting a fab giveaway to celebrate her 1st blogger birthday. Head over to her blog to check out how to win a $50 gift card to Mod Cloth.

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Bowling...Vintage Style

Over the weekend, Jesse and I met some friends for a fun filled night of bowling. I love bowling, although I not very good it at. I think what intrigues me the most is how "old fashioned" it is. Often times, the bowling shoes you rent have a vintage feel to them and many of the allies around here haven't done much to update their interiors.

This was my inspiration for my outfit that evening; my Grandma is on the right. I thought bowling in a dress would be much harder than it looked, but it actually turned out to be not too different from bowling in pants.

When I was in middle school, my Grandma gave me her old bowling ball and shoes set. In the late 40s she was on a bowling league (pictured above) and had hung onto her ball and shoes for all those years. Her ball is engraved with her name on it, which is my middle name. Sometime soon, I would love to get my name engraved above hers.


Emily



40s House Dress: Lost and Found Vintage

Sweater: Forever 21

40s Bowling Shoes and Scarf: Were my Grandma's




P.S. This dress is going to be going up for sale in my etsy soon. This weekend was the last time for me to wear it...there's only so much a belt can do to cinch a waist.

Monday, March 21, 2011

My Poker Face


I couldn't resist titling this post after the Lady Gaga song. I love this dress and I found it at this awesome resale shop, which will be the next store featured in my Michigan Vintage Shopping Guide. Although the dress is kind of on the tight side, I am in love with the print, which reminds me of the novelty prints of the 1940s. Maybe I need to ditch the fabric belt and opt for a navy one. What do you think?

Emily



Late 70s Dress: Re-genration

Bakelite Bracelets and Carved Bakelite Earrings: eBay

Flats: Payless

Saturday, March 19, 2011

Value World Coupons


The other day in the mail, I received some coupons for Value World for 50% off your entire purchase. I thought I would pass the word onto my readers. They are running a coupon sale now and then again in April. Click HERE to be directed to their website to print a coupon.

Happy Thrifting!

Emily

Friday, March 18, 2011

Posh Frock Friday: St. Patty's Edition

So I guess I do have green in my wardrobe after all!! This is what I wore yesterday in honor of St. Patrick's Day. It was such a lovely day here in Michigan, it reached almost 70 degrees!! Spring is definitely on its way. I tried something new with my hair; kind of a Betty Grable do. It actually was much easier to achieve with my short do than I expected. I'll probably be seen sporting this style 'do all spring! :)


My brother took these photos for me with his fancy camera. The shutter is so fast it caught the wind playing with my skirt. All afternoon the wind would make it look like I was wearing a crinoline.

I am linking up to Posh Frock Friday over at Kate's blog. Do check it out and see what others wore.

Emily




50s Dress: eBay

Cardigan: Target

Fake-lite Bangle: Value World

50s Screwback Earrings: Were my Grandma's

Nude Heels: Simply Vera Wang via Kohls

Film Fashion Friday: Of Human Bondage (1934)

First off, the winner of the Street of Women DVD is Lauren!! Thanks to everyone for entering. Lauren, email me within a week and I will get your DVD in the mail.


This week's film is an interesting one because I am sure many would not include this in their list of fashionable classic films. After reading my thoughts, I hope you will be able to see that it has some interesting elements present.

Cast

Bette Davis.....Mildred Rogers
Leslie Howard.....Phillip Carey
Frances Dee.....Sally
Kay Johnson.....Nora
Reginald Denny.....Griffith

Directed by John Cromwell
Gowns by Walter Plunkett

Synopsis
Bette Davis is a waitress who uses her good looks to lure in gentlemen to fund her fun. The unsuspecting Leslie Howard, a painter turned medical student, becomes enamored with Davis and starts pursuing her. By the way, Howard just so happens to have a clubbed foot, which complicates things even more. Howard ends up throwing Davis to the curb in an effort to start a new and healthy relationship with Nora. However, when Davis comes back, Howard drops everything to be with her. This trend happens yet again when Howard meets Sally. How does he handle it this time? Does he throw true love away to be with Davis?

Fashion Review
I found the fashion selection in this film to be immensely interesting. I would consider this to be among one of Plunkett's earlier films, where he is still trying to get his feet wet. However, I think he did a wonderful job with this film, especially with Davis, whom I am sure had a thing or two to say about what she was and wasn't going to wear. There are three kinda of women presented in this film: the homely wifey type: Sally, the debutant social scene type: Nora, and the tramp: Mildred. Plunkett does an excellent job dressing each type in a way that conveys what type of woman they are just by looking at their clothing. If you are going to watch this purely for fashion inspiration, I would pay attention to Nora and Davis at the beginning of the film. Davis starts out fairly normal and then slowly, with each scene, morphs into a cheap looking woman.

One thing I think Davis does very well is positioning her body in a why such that it "displays" the clothing and well as herself. Of Human Bondage was base off a 1915 book in which the character of Mildred really is a prostitute. Since of the strict PCA code, the film could only slightly allude to this. {{{SPOILER}}} Mildred is also suppose to dye of syphilis rather than TB, however Davis still wanted her death to look real verse being given the "Hollywood treatment." To do this, she came up with her own make-up and some accounts say she applied her own make-up for these last few scenes. While the information is a little unclear, it is interesting to consider the fact that Davis was such a serious actress that she wanted to get dirty and look like hell in order to give a more realistic presentation.

One thing I noticed about this film, in relation to fashion, is the only time Davis is "glamorous" is during the dream sequence Phillip has. Here Davis is wearing a dress that could easily be compared to the famous Letty Lynton dress that her rival Joan Crawford wore only two years earlier. I find it fascinating that during this dream, Phillip is fantasizing about his idealize version of Mildred and this "idealize" version just happens to be wearing a dress much like the Letty Lynton dress, which was hugely popular and set trends for the era. In order to be ideal, Mildred must be glamorous and to do so, she must be trendy. I think this dream has a lot going on with it and I could go on and on. :) I would love to hear your thoughts about the dream after you watch the film.

Of Human Bondage is in the public domain, so it can easily be found online streaming and there are tons of copies of it for sale (cheap I might add). If you have Netflix, it can be viewed online there.

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Nasty Jello of the Month: March


Happy St. Patricks Day everyone!! Since this Jello recipe calls for spinach, I felt it was fitting for today, with spinach being green and all. Although, looking back, I probably should have saved last month's for today!

Anyways, this one looks okay, but the stuff that's in it is super yucky, in my opinion. However, this could be because I don't really care for mayonnaise or cottage cheese. Would you ever eat this?

Next month's Nasty Jello Party will be held on April 19th.

What did you all find?



Emily

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Date Night


On Saturday evening, after a long day of thifting and shopping at Eastern Market, my beau took me to see What Ever Happened To Baby Jane at the Redford. I have to confess, I LOVE campy movies, which is probably something someone with a film degree should not say. ;)


I wore my new smock and I think this is going to be one of my most favorite outfits this spring! It was so comfy and yet I kind of felt a little dressed up. Maybe it was the black pants that was tricking me into feeling this way. I don't have much green in my wardrobe, so I expect to wear this again tomorrow for St. Patty's Day.

Don't forget, tomorrow is Nasty Jello Day!!

Emily



40s Smock: The Getup Vintage

Black Cigarette Pants: Kohls

Black Flats: JC Penny

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Some Estate Sale Goodies

It's seems that I have sort of a backlog of photos to share with you all. These past two weekends were filled with many wonderful estate sales that bought me many new treasures. The items pictured in this post were found two weekends ago. Later this week, I will show you what I found this past weekend.

Above is a cute little birdie print that I found for 50 cents. I just love birds and sort of have a collection going now. All the other finds pictured came from the same sale. My beau and I drove about an hour from where we live to attend this farmhouse sale that was packed with tons of vintage stuff. Not too many clothes though..... I did find a few pieces, but they were in pretty bad shape. I took a few dresses home with me to save and give a second lease on life.

I did, however, come across these ivory colored plastic dress clips. I doubt if they are actually ivory, but the plastic is weird. It's not bakelite, maybe celluloid? I haven't tested it yet, but the carved necklace seems like bakelite; whatever it is, I love it!! The discolored beads looks worse in the photo than they are in life.


I am not normally one for knick knacks or figurines (minus my Asian guys of course!), but this little birdie caught my eye. He's really small, about an inch or two, but isn't he cute? I don't know if I am going to keep the little doe or not, but he was too sweet to pass up for only 50 cents.
I think my absolute favorite find at this sale was Sterling Silver "E" pin. I love initial pins and having a name that starts with a vowel can tend to be hard to find. I think that "E" items are a bit on the easier side to find, since names like Evelyn and Ellen were popular back in the day. My grandma on my dad's side name was Evelyn and my Great Grandma on my mom's side name was also Evelyn (she was born in the late 1890's!). Anyways, I love this pin and gladly forked over $8 for it, a price I normally wouldn't pay for a simple pin at an estate sale. The paper its pictured on is some sort of templates that you paste on envelopes. I thought it was really interesting and would be fun to scan in and use the images.

What have you been finding?

Emily


P.S. I had a request for a close up of my scottie pin from yesterday, which lead me to the idea to share all of my bakelite. I'll do a post about that sometime next week.

Monday, March 14, 2011

Scotties

January marked the start of my graduate assistantship working in the classroom. Last semester, I only proctored labs, screening films for different classes. This semester, I get to be in an actual classroom, grade papers, give a few lectures, etc. It's all so exciting and much more enjoyable than my own personal graduate classes I am taking.

On the days I get to lecture, I like to dress up a bit more than normal. I find that it helps me feel more at ease being in front of the classroom and I can focus more on what I need to say. I also need to wear flats because I have to do A LOT of walking while on campus and this includes stairs. I love my heels, but they just aren't practical sometimes.

The only thing vintage about this outfit is the blouse (late 60s) and the carved bakelite scottie pin. And, even though this really isn't a vintage look, I feel it has a 40s flair to it. I wish the skirt didn't have that hideous circular belt buckle in the front, otherwise I feel it would have even more of a 40s feel to it.

Emily



Late 60s Blouse: Value World

Skirt and Flats: JC Penny

Vintage Carved Bakelite Pin: eBay

Friday, March 11, 2011

Film Fashion Friday: Fashion Show February: Stolen Holiday (1937)

My Warner Archive DVDs finally came!! I have three movies for you all today and this will wrap up Fashion Show February. Next week we will return to normal broadcasting! :)

Cast

Kay Francis.....Nicky Picot
Claude Rains.....Stefan Orloff
Ian Hunter.....Tony Wayne
Alison Skipworth.....Suzanne

Directed by Michael Curtiz
Gowns by Orry-Kelly

Synopsis
Nicole Picot is working as a model in a Paris dress salon when she is picked by Stefan Orloff to help him convince a wealthy investor that he is well connected. She is to wear an expensive dress and dine with them because she has "class." The scheme works and both Stefan and Nicole become very wealthy over the course of a few years. Stefan is a "financier" while Nicole opens her own dress salon. But while Nicole's business is above board, Stefan's isn't, and eventually his web of deceit and fraud begins to unravel. Not always honest with her either, Stefan enlists Nicole's help one last time to avoid prison. (Taken from IMDb)

Fashion Review
I was so excited to see this movie and even more excited that Warner Archive was offering this as part of their vault collection. It really is a fabulous film!! The fashion is impeccable and as with many films I feature on this series, I want every outfit. :) Kay Francis really has the figure to show off these wonderful 30s fashions and I have grown a new appreciation for her! I really recommend checking ut some of her 30s film; she is fabulous!

Orry-Kelly designed the gowns for this film and boy do we get to see a wide array of his talents here. I have posted on Orry-Kelly before, so I won't bore you all with the details of his life and career. Click HERE if you want to learn more. The fashion shows in this film really display Kelly's keen eye for women's fashion and demonstrate his skill of dressing the female form. I am pretty sure there is always a female present on screen in this film and Kelly takes full advantage of that, with numerous costume changes and elaborate outfits.

Fashion Show Evaluation
Not even one minute into the film and we are given a fashion show....my kind of movie! What makes this even better is that we are presented with not one, but two fashion shows and they come before we even reach 30 minutes into the film. I really enjoyed the sequences here, which display many of the same traits that all the other fashion shows in this series present. I found each of the shows to be a bit like the one in Mrs. Pettigrew Lives for a Day (2008), where we have some one on a microphone describing the outfits. This is something that definitely sets these shows apart from the rest. What also sets it apart from some of the other shows in these types of films, is the fashion show really is just for the audience. We are drawn in and there are minimal cuts away from the show, which is great for us vintage fashion lovers -- we really get to see each outfit in detail! :)

Stolen Holiday is available on DVD through the Warner Archive Collection.

Film Fashion Friday: Fashion Show February: Lovely to Look At (1952)

Cast

Kathryn Grayson.....Stephanie
Red Skelton.....Al Marsh
Howard Keel.....Tony Naylor
Marge Champion.....Clarisse
Ann Miller.....Bubbles Cassidy
Zsa Zsa Gabor.....Zsa Zsa

Directed by Mervyn LeRoy
Gowns by Adrian

Synopsis
Al Marsh, Tony Naylor and Jerry Ralby, Broadway producers, are desperately looking for backers. Al is one of the heirs of a dress salon in Paris, but this is almost bankrupt. The two other heiresses, Stephanie and Clarisse and the three producers are able to convince the creditors to back a fashion show there. Things become complicated, when Al and Tony fall in love with Stephanie and Al's New York girl friend Bubbles arrives. (Taken from IMDb)

Fashion Review
This film has a lot of things going for it: 1. Adrian designed the gowns/costumes, 2. It is a musical, 3. It is in color, 4. It is a remake of Roberta (1935), and 5. It has a wonderful fashion sow sequence at the end of the film.

Many vintage fashion lovers hail Adrian as being the top Hollywood fashion designer of his time. There really doesn't need to be a "review" section, because with Adrian's name attached to a picture, you best believe it is going to hold some spectacular fashion. While this may not always be the case, I think it's a fair generalization.

Adrian was born in Connecticut in 1903 and studied at the School for Fine and Applied Arts. One of his first jobs was to design sketches for George White's Scandals. This lead him to catch the eye of Irving Berlin, who was impressed by some of his costumes at the Grand Prix Ball. Berlin commissioned Adrian to do some designs for the Music Box Revue. Eventually, Adrian caught yet another eye, that of the wife of Rudolph Valentino. He did work on three Valentino films which gained him a contract with De Mille Studios. After a two year stint, Adrian moved to MGM in 1928, where he would remain until 1942. Here Adrian was able to put his talents to great use, designing for both period costume dramas and providing MGM's top stars with fashionable wardrobes. In 1942, Adrain left MGM to open his own shop in Beverly Hills and continued to sporadically design for movies. His last film was Lovely to Look At, where he designed both the fashion show garments and the clothing for leading players. Adrian died seven years later and with his death, Hollywood lost a little bit of class.

Fashion Show Evaluation
This is definitely the most elaborate fashion show I have seen on film. The staging is intricate and it put on rather like a Broadway play. What I find interesting about this film is that the sequence and the whole film for that matter, appears in color. With the exception of Lucy Gallant (1955), the short sequence in The Women (1939), and Designing Woman (1957) I cannot think of another fashion show sequence that focuses on day and evening wear that appears in color. Singin' In the Rain (1952) is in color, but the fashion sequence is not exactly a fashion show per say, and many scholars argue that it does not fit into the fashion show-in-film category. Neptune's Daughter (1949) does appear in color, but the show focuses solely on swimwear. I find it fascinating that most of the fashion show sequences that appear in Classical Hollywood films are in black and white and are present in mainly films from the 1930s. This says a lot about the climate of the 30s in America. Moviegoers went to the movies to escape from their dim reality and what better than a fashion show to help them accomplish that? The black and white would seem to be a detraction from how we normally think about fashion. However, I see it like a blank canvas for women spectators to picture the color they like best -- a great selling ploy in my opinion.

Lovely to Look At is available on DVD through the Warner Archive Collection.

Film Fashion Friday: Fashion Show February: Street of Women (1932) and A Giveaway

The last film of this series and for this week is Street of Women (1932). I have opted not to do a "traditional" FFF style for this post for a few reasons; I cannot find who was the fashion designer/director on this film and the fashion show sequence is very short and very much part of the plot.


While I cannot find some to give credit to the fantastic outfits this film showcases, that certainly does not detract from making this super fashionable film -- one that I hope everyone gets a chance to see at some point. I accidentally bought two copies of this film, so I am going to give one away on my blog. It does not still have the shrink wrap on it, but it is brand new. to enter, just leave a comment on this post. Only one entry per person and the winner will be announced next Friday. Giveaway open to U.S. residents only, since I am going to ship it via Media Mail.

The fashion show sequence is very short in this film, all of about five minutes, but it plays an interesting role within the film. The woman sitting in the chair visits Kay Francis's boutique because she knows her husband is having an affair with her and wants to see what kind of night gowns she should purchase. It all really is just a rouse to let Francis in on the fact that she knows what her husband it up to. I think it's pretty neat that they are using a scene like this to relay such a message. This scene reminded me of the age old question of do whom do women dress for: themselves or other women? I also like that the film takes the one of the conventions of the fashion show: a costume in a boutique setting to view clothing and employs it for a completely different use: to let Francis in on the "joke."

There are many other films with fashion shows in them and a few have just been released by the Warner Archive. I wish I would have known about them when I first started this series. Maybe I can bring it back? :)

Anyways, if you are looking for some more fashion shows within film check out these movies:

From the Warner Archive:
Colleen (1936)
The Golden Arrow (1936)
Mannequin (1937)

From Amazon:
Vogues of 1938 (1937)
Artists and Models Abroad (1938)

From Film Collectors Online:
Artists and Models (1937)
Our Blushing Brides (1939)
The Bride Walks Out (1936)
Employee's Entrance (1933)

Widely Available on DVD:
Artists and Models (1955)
The Women (1939)
Funny Face (1957)
How to Marry a Millionaire (1953)
That Touch of Mink (1962)

Also featuring fashion shows are:
Lucy Gallant (1955)
On Your Back (1930)

If anyone has either of these movies, please send me a message. I would love to own these.

I think I got them all, but if I missed one, let me know and I will update the list. :)
I hope everyone enjoyed this series!!

Thursday, March 10, 2011

A Thrifting Tip and Deal of the Day

Unmarked Rhinestone Clip Ons

Almost every Thursday I visit my local Salvation Army. This is because on Thursdays it is "students day" where anyone with a student ID received 25% off their items excluding the orange tagged collectables. Most of the time I get the 25% off of jewelry too, it depends on who is working the counter, so I tend to keep track of who is there before I look at the jewelry and fall in love with something. I am pretty sure almost every Salvation Army has a "students day" and it really is awesome, if you have a student ID. So that is my thrifting tip, see if your Salvation Army has a students day. I also like to ask other thrift stores if they give a student discount, most of the time they say no, but will knock 10% off my total purchase. It never hurts to ask!

Unmarked Rhinestone Screwbacks

I find that at most thrift stores, it is pretty hit or miss with the jewelry. However, the one that I go to on my weekly Thursday trip always has some kind of vintage at it. Be it dishes, clothing, furniture, or jewelry, they always seem to have a decent stock of vintage to select from. Plus what is so great about this particular Salvation Army is they have a "bucks" program where if you spend $20 or more, you get $1 for every $20 you spend. So, I tend to make off like a bandit many weeks because the items are cheap to begin with, I get my 25% off, and occasionally I received extra money off with my store "bucks." I would see if your Salvation Army does this and if they don't maybe you can persuade them to start. :)

The two pairs of earring above are not marked and were about $3 each (after all discounts applied). I spotted the first pair with the pink rhinestones and leave design first, which lead me to see this pin, which was my "deal of the day" last Thursday. It is a gold filled pin with what is probably a fake pearl off to the side. I am thinking this is from the 40s, as I have seen many similar types of pins being sold as from that era. Regardless, I love the design and have been keeping an eye out for one on eBay and in my thrifting adventures. It was originally marked $14.99, however, I had one store "buck" and got my student discount applied, so it wound up being $10.49 plus tax. A pretty good deal (imo) for a gold filled pin!

I wonder what I will find this week?!

Emily

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Plus Sized Vintage For Sale

I have opened my etsy shop back up. In my recent thrifting jaunts I have come across some vintage plus sized dresses that were too cute to pass up. I also have been combing through my own vintage and deciding what to keep and what to pass along to someone else to love.

To celebrate my reopening and to offer some great deals for the up coming VLV, I want to offer my readers a special offer: 25% off if you message me with the code BLOGREADER. In the next week, I plan to be adding a few more dresses, many with waists in the 40-50 in range. The discount will be good for 2 weeks.

Here's a peek at some of the items for sale.



Thanks for looking! Message me through etsy if you'd like an item reserved or put on hold for you. I do layaway too!

Emily

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Snow Snow Go Away

Over the weekend, we got another batch of snow. While it was just a dusting, it brought with it ice and colder temperatures. Tonight we are suppose to get more snow; again just a light dusting, but I am sure it will bring ice and cold. I wonder if Mother Nature knows it's March? I am really anxious now to get back into the swing of wearing dresses and flats. I love the spring and summer time. I find it such easier to dress and look cute with little to no effort.

Above is my kind of winter effortless outfit. I paired the dress with leggings rather than tights because I find them much easier to deal with and my uggs because they are comfy and sort of matched. I have done a lot of experimenting this winter season and have been trying hard to wear more vintage rather than just a hoodie and jeans. I'm not sure how I feel about these boots with the dress and leggings, but it kept me warm, which is rather the point, isn't it? ;)

How do you keep warm but still have a vintage feel to your outfit?

Emily



50s Swirl: eBay

Boots: Uggs

Leggings and Sweater: Target

Monday, March 7, 2011

Michigan Vintage Shopping Guide: The Getup Vintage


I have been wanting to do this feature on my blog for a long time now -- a virtual tour of the vintage stores in South Eastern Michigan. I have a created a button in the sidebar, which will link to all my posts on the different stores. I plan to feature vintage shops, clothing stores, antique malls, you name it; all surrounding metro Detroit, no further than hour to an hour and a half a away.

The first shop I thought I would feature is The Getup Vintage which is located in Ann Arbor, MI. Jesse and I went to an estate sale a town over from Ann Arbor this past Saturday and decided to spend the rest of our afternoon in Ann Arbor. For those of you who may not be familiar with Ann Arbor, it is a college town (home to University of Michigan) and has tons of cool little shops. This town is a prefect stop for the vintage lover, as it offers a few vintage clothing shops and a few record shops.

I was extremely impressed with The Getup. Their prices were very fair and I found some major deals. Dresses were priced between $20-$50 on average and I was quite surprised to find many plus sized vintage pieces. The store is on the smaller size, but it packed full of vintage goodness. The items pictured in this post show my "major deals." Above is a pair of black carved bakelite screwback earrings, $25. I was really impressed with their prices on bakelite, especially for a brick and mortar store. I could be wrong, but I feel like black bakelite is a bit harder to come by than some of the other colors. Anyways, I was super pleased to add some more bakelite to my collection for a good price. (They are solid black in real life. I lighten the picture to see the carving detail).


One of the reasons I went ahead and got the earrings is because I found this adorable 40s smock. I could not resist the print or the way it was styled, plus it was only $12!! How can you beat that?? It also is in excellent condition. I cannot wait to wear it. I am thinking I will wear it with either some black cigarette pants or some skinny jeans.

After I found the above smock, this popped out at me. I think it is suppose to be a smock too, however, it is homemade and is more fitted than the one above. Either way I love it and it looked cute with jeans. I also could see it with white pants too. Any other thoughts? I am going to move the top red button down to replace the white one that someone placed there to replace one of the missing red ones. I never button stuff up all the way. This cute little shirt/smock was only $10!!!

I also got a 50s acetate deep purple dress, new old stock for only $20 and a 50s circle skirt in teal and navy for $25, which are not pictured. My beau and I plan to head back to Ann Arbor when the weather gets warmer, since it is such a nice downtown to walk around. I can't wait to stop into The Getup again!

215 South State Street
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
(734) 327-4300

Saturday, March 5, 2011

A Quick Update.....

I just wanted to stop in and let you all know that I am sorry I missed the last installment of Fashion Show February. I still haven't received my dvds from Warner Bros, however, as soon as I do, I will be posting the two films.

Thanks for hanging in there!! :)

Emily

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Giveaway Winner

Thank you to everyone who entered my giveaway and welcome to new followers!! :) The winner is Brooksie who was the 21st commenter. Please email me within a week to claim your prize.


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I wanted to answer a few questions that have been asked in my last few posts.


"Are you on twitter?"
No, and this isn't necessarily related, but I have been thinking about starting a facebook page for the blog. Would you guys like that?

"Where can I get one [of those shoe things]?"
I found mine at an estate sale and I have seen them before at estate sales. I just never thought I would want one. Honestly, it is one of the best purchases I have ever made. I tend to like to keep my heels and dresser shoes in the boxes they came in to prevent dust and the like. This isn't possible when buying vintage shoes because most of the time they do not come with their boxes. This storage container is great, it keeps out the dust while still allowing me to see what's inside.

I was only able to find one online to buy. But, like I said, at least here in Michigan, I have come across them a few times. One tip on finding them at sales is to look in the attic and basement, that's where I found mine, in the basement.

"What are those shoes in the bottom right corner?"
They are 40s tapestry heels with an Egyptian print. I will share pictures when I do my post about my vintage shoe collection.


Thanks for reading and for all the comments. I love reading them!!!

Emily

MsSugarVintage.Com Vintage Scarf Giveaway

I found out about this giveaway a while ago and forgot to post. Do check it out if you want to have a chance to win some vintage scarves just in time for summer!

Ms Sugar's scarf collection is overflowing and we'd like to share them with you. Brace yourself...for 10 weeks we're giving away 50 of our personal scarf collection to you. Ms Sugar's scarf collection is overflowing and we'd like to share them with you!
Brace yourself...for 10 weeks we're giving away 50 of our personal scarf collection to you.

Visit us to enter and then earn extra chances to win.



Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Storing Vintage Shoes the Vintage Way

Have I mentioned that I love shoes?! Well I do, especially vintage ones. The biggest reason I love shoes (and any accessory for that matter) is they will fit you no matter what size you are at. I have vintage shoes that I bought while I was in high school, and while my high school jeans no longer fit, the shoes that I bought then still do!

I also am quite smitten with vintage storage items, particularly ones like THESE and THESE. So, I was quite tickled when I found this vintage shoe storage box for only $4 at an estate sale a few weekends ago. I finally got around to organizing it the other day and couldn't wait to share it with you all!

This is the label that is on the back. I think it's cute that says the "smartest of home accessories." That must have been a great selling slogan. I can see an ad saying something like "the smartest housewives buy Protex" or something like that.

Here's the finished outcome. The box only fit eight pairs of shoes, which I am sure was ample storage space back in the 40s, but nowadays, this only helps store a fraction of my vintage shoe collection. I plan on sharing my entire vintage shoe collection soon! Until then, here's a small peek.

Today is the last day to enter my giveaway. It closes at midnight EST. Winner will be announced tomorrow. The giveaway is open to everyone!

Emily