For auld land syne, my dear....

Hope everyone has a fun and safe New Years!  See you in 2013!

New Years Eve Digs

Still haven't found the perfect vintage dress for NYE? Christmas money already burning a hole in your pocket? The shop has several cocktail and party dresses in all sizes and price ranges.  Use the code: NYE2013 at check out to receive 15% off.

1960s Black Lace Dress

70s/80s does 1950s Wrap Dress

1950s Red Party Dress with Rhinestone Waist 

1950s "Cape" Dress (36 inch waist)

1960s Gold Baby Doll Dress

1950s Lurex Dress 

40s 50s Wine Party Dress (32 inch waist)

Last Call! And a Coupon Code

The last day to receive items from my shop in time from Christmas is quickly approaching.  If you get your order in by 1 p.m. EST tomorrow Dec. 19th, it should arrive in time for Christmas.  Any orders placed after that time might be received by Christmas, but there are no guarantees.  I do offer express and overnight shipping at an additional cost.

Oh and if you use the code LASTCALL12, you will receive 10% off your item between now and tomorrow.  Happy Shopping!  

Bottle Brush Tress

For the last couple of years, I have been collecting vintage bottle brush trees to decorate with at Christmas time.  All of my trees have come from either estate sales or off season eBay finds, so you can imagine my excitement when I stopped this tree at the thrift store!

It's identical to the blue one below, minus the decorations.  I am really tempted to wrap some glass bead garland into the tree or some small ornaments.

What would you do?  Leave it be or decorate it?  

Holiday Baar Bazaar

This is where you can find Livin' Vintage Shop tonight!  If you do come out, mention this blogpost and receive 10% off!

I'll be back next week with Christmas posts!

Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, Cyber Monday Sale

I'm having a little holiday sale in my shop!  Friday through Monday take 25% anything in the store.

Happy Thanksgiving and Happy Shopping!

Date Night Outfit

Sweater & Tights: Target | 50s Dress: Mother Fletchers | Shoes: JC Penny

Every so often, the bf and I go into the city for a fancy dinner and drinks.  There is this cute Japanese restaurant that we both really love and that's usually our desired destination.  A lot of people give Detroit a bad rep, and while there is some truth to that, there are a lot of hip little places to gab a drink or eat a good meal.  I really enjoy seeing what's left of the old buildings and imagining what it must have been like in the 30s or 40s to have a dinner out in the city.

Instagram

I might be a little late to the party, but.... I'm finally on Instagram.  You can follow me @livinvintage.

I tend to post there much more often then on here.  If you stop by, let me know, I'd love to follow you too!

WI Thrifting

One of my favorite things to do when I'm in a new town is checking out the local thrift stops and antique shops.  When I was in Milwaukee a month and a half ago, I visited two really large antique malls.  One was three stories high and it took nearly two hours to see it all.  Both Jesse and I found some real gems there, like this MCM pendent light.  It's cream with raised gold lines.  I haven't found a spot for it yet, but I'd really like to work it into my home office somehow.

I found this guy at one of the other antique malls we stopped at.  He was a steal of a deal at $9!  I've always wanted one, not just because I adore owls, but also because I have limited vintage fall/Halloween decor.  I kinda think I will miss Mr. Owl after Thanksgiving when I start to switch out the fall stuff for my Christmas decorations.  Maybe he will have to find a permanent home elsewhere... 

Milwaukee

A few weeks ago I had to go to Milwaukee, WI for a film conference where I presented my work on Dana Andrews.  In between listening to panels, I checked out as many vintage shops as possible.  Right in the heart of the city is a giant antique mall in a converted factory building.  Antiques on 2nd boasts three whole floors jam packed with at least a hundred or more vendors.  Jesse and I spent a few hours strolling the aisles and both came away with several stellar finds.

One of which is this dress, found in From Regal to Retro's booth.  I was too excited to wait to wear it, so I wore it our last day to a Brewers game.  Right adjacent to the ball park was this tranquil stream, perfect for some quick blog pictures.

I'll be back later with a few of my finds.   

Pumpkin Pickin'

70s Dress: Regeneration / Boots: Target / 40s Bracelet: eBay

This past weekend, the boyfriend, my brother, and I ventured out to the pumpkin patch to select some pumpkins.  One of the perks of living in the Midwest is plenty of orchards that allow you to pick your own berries, apples, and pumpkins.  I try to check out a different orchard each year, however, I was very pleased with the one we went to this year and might have to patron it again. 

The orchard provided wagons to cart around your selections.  This was especially nice since it was top priority to find a pumpkin large enough to do this:

Pumpkin in a pumpkin!  I've been pining to do this since we named our puppy Pumpkin.  Well it only took nearly four years to do so, but I am glad that I finally did it.  I am biased, but I think it came out pretty cute!

DIY Wrap Up

Nearly four weeks ago was the Ferndale DIY (boy am I behind!).  This was my second year participating as a vendor and it was a very successful weekend!  I met a lot of other vintage sellers/lovers and many of my items went onto new homes.  On the third and final day, I was in much need of some comfy digs and pulled out this newly thrifted vintage jumpsuit.    

Last year was definitely a learning curve, as was this year.  I think after doing two of these shows I have finally figured out what works best in the space allotted and what facilitates the most business.  I am really excited for next year!

  

Old Town Arizona

A few months ago, I traveled to Casa Grande, AZ to visit a good friend from my school days. I had a great time exploring the area and doing some serious vintage shopping, not to mention seeing a cactus for the first time!

If you follow me on Facebook, then you have probably already seen this photo I snapped while walking around the historic downtown area of Casa Grande. There were so many signs like this almost everywhere we went. I wish I could have photographed them all. 

I'll be back later with a write up on this cool little soda fountain/shopping joint we visited. 

Emily

Playing Catch-Up

I can't believe it's September already!  Where has the time gone!?

Now that I am no longer a student, I find myself really missing back to school time. In order to remedy this situation, the purchase of a vintage globe is in order to make my home office feel more like a classroom. 

The one thing that is reminding me of fall and all the related activities is the Ferndale DIY Street Fair, which I am currently preparing for. It will be my second year being a vendor and I couldn't be more excited!

This dress is what I wore nearly two months ago on the 4th of July. It's a DeWeese and I scored it for the small sum of $5 a few summers ago. Since then, it's become a summer staple. And, if Michigan keeps up this hot and sticky weather, I will be pulling it out a few more times until the lovely cool fall weather arrives. 

Emily

60s DeWeese: Royal Oak Garage Sale

Butterfly Flip Flops: Kohls

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Ponderings...

It seems that I have hit a bit of a bump in my vintage fashion blogging.  

About a month ago, I started working for a local estate sale company, setting up sales and helping them open their brick and mortar store -- a "vintage and local artist boutique."  At first, I really enjoyed working for them.  It was exciting to enter a new home each day and see what treasures it held.  However, as the weeks have progressed, there have been less and less work for me.  I knew this job wasn't going to be permanent, but I was hoping for the best while I was working there.

At this new job, it is pretty hard for me to wear anything vintage -- not that I have been doing a lot of that anyways.  I have become almost downright lazy when it comes to dressing and it doesn't help that my work clothes consist of t-shirts and leggings.  I feel a bit lost on the direction of my dressing.  While I still absolutely LOVE vintage fashion, I am beginning to wonder if my drifting from fulltime vintage dressing will be a permanent switch.  I certainly hope not.

So Dear Readers, how do you cope with a slump in your dressing tendencies?    

Emily 

50s Southwest Dress

So I know blogger changed while I was on my studying hiatus, but can I just say that I am not a big fan?  Hopefully soon I will get the hang of it.  I must be getting old; I really dislike when websites change the way they operate.

I love this dress.  I found it mislisted on eBay and as such, won it for a real steal.  Love when that happens!!

Emily


50s Dress and 50s Wedges: eBay
Belt: Hand-me-down
50s Yellow Beaded Sweater: Regeneration

Why Hello!

It's officially summertime here!  Which means no school, no deadlines, no paper writing (well maybe a little), and lots more time for gardening, thrifting, and getting my house whipped into shape.

One month ago, on a very very cold afternoon, I walked across the stage at the outdoor venue at Oakland University, receiving my Masters of Arts in English.  To say this past two years were challenging would be a complete understatement.  There were many tears shed, lots of papers written, and many headaches trying to wrap my brain around the material.  However, it has been all worth it, especially now that I am done!  

I am now contemplating my next move.  Do I get a teaching job at a junior college?  Do I work on my PhD?  Do I move out to L.A. and take advantage of a potential job offer in the film industry?  To be completely honest, I am a total Midwest girl at heart and would really love to stay here.  So for the next few months, that's what I am going to do --stay put-- until I figure out where my life is headed.

What I have been doing since graduation is enjoying my home and time off.  First on my list was to put some flowers in the ground -- something I wasn't able to do last summer.

This is along the back of my house.  I picked up the bench, which is in rough shape (read shabby chic), for $3 at an estate sale.  It was hidden in the basement, where the best things normally hide.  The watering can is vintage and was my grandma's.  

You can tell I rather favor it, as it appears in this photo as well.  I really love this little spot on my back patio.  The chair is the only real vintage metal chair I own.  I pulled this out of a basement as well and probably didn't pay more than $1 for it.  I bought a huge lot of stuff at the sale and was given a bulk price for it all.  The vintage side table was found at the Salvation Army for $3.  It could use a new coat of paint, but for now I am enjoying the little bits of rust.  It adds character, right?

Emily 

All work and no play....

source

...makes Emily a very dull blogger! Two weeks from today I will have completed all my course work for my Masters degree and will be able to regain my life! :)

I want to thank all my followers who have chosen to stay with me during the lull in postings. You guys are the best!!

During the research process for my thesis, I have come across some really neat resources for viewing vintage magazines online and in archives. For example, the Michigan State University Special Collections allows practically anyone to come and comb through their extensive collection of vintage magazines, both movie fan magazines and women's interest. You are even allowed to take pictures of the pages. Bowling Green State University also has a similar collection.

If you still want to check out old magazines and cannot access these collections or would rather do it at home, the Media History Digital Library has tons of digital copies of early fan magazines for you to view. Their most stand out piece (IMO) is their collection of early Photoplay. While the collections are limited to publications related to media and film history, for vintage fans, the website is certainly still valuable. Being able to view early fashion spreads in these magazines is so interesting and definitely inspiring! Plus, I am a huge advocate for the preservation of these publications and websites like these are important to keep the cause going.

If anyone knows of similar websites, do share in the comments!

Hope to back back soon!!

Emily

Titanic Love Stories

Ever since I was about 9 or 10, I have been really interested in the Titanic. My parents even took a family vacation to Boston when I was in the 5th grade to check out a traveling museum of Titanic artifacts (along with seeing the East Coast as well). Something about the tragic nature coupled with the air of elegance that makes up the legacy of the Titanic fascinates me.

Today when I was shopping at Barnes and Noble for a gift, I came across this book and knew I HAD to purchase it. Titanic Love Stories by Gill Paul recounts 13 different true stories of honeymooning couples from all three classes on the ship. I've only made it through three of the stories so far, but boy are they good!! For the $10 price tag, it is totally worth the purchase! The stories are so interesting and provides another layer of depth into the passengers of the famous ship.

It's also a fitting read, since the 100th anniversary is quickly approaching. My local historical museum, The Henry Ford, is hosting a traveling Titanic exhibit, complete with recreations of the deck and state rooms. I am beyond excited -- March 31st cannot come quick enough. If anyone is going to be in the Detroit area from March 31st to September 30th should definitely check out the exhibit. I have seen parts of it before and it was really amazing, so I can only imagine how stellar it is going to be this time around!

Emily

P.S. Thanks to those of you who commented on my last post. I still haven't been able to track down the article yet, but I am in the process of working with the Motion Picture Academy's archives to try and locate where it came from. If anyone does come across any leads, they are still appreciated!!

Calling All Vintage Magazine Collectors....

...I am in need of your help. I am currently working on my graduate thesis for my MA degree and have hit a bit of a bump. I have chosen to look at the representation of Dana Andrews in Fan magazines for my topic and have really been enjoying the research (hence my lack of any real posts lately).

I would like to include this article above, however, I only own a clipping and have no idea what magazine it came from. I have narrowed down the year to be 1951 and I am thinking it came from Movieland, considering that the font for the page numbers seems to match other issues identically. I am also thinking that it came from an issue around April, May, or June, according the the release dates for the movies mentioned in text. But, again, I am not too sure about this either.

If anyone has a copy of Movieland from this year/month or knows where I can find this article in full, it would be greatly appreciated!!!

Thanks! And I can't wait to get back into regular blogging once I am done with this project!

Emily

A Fitting Valentine for an Educator...

Happy Valentines Day Dear Readers!!

Trying Something New

Ever since going red, I have gotten the courage to try new things with my hair. When it was time for a trim, I decided to just get a cut instead. I was going for a "modern" Louise Brooks look. I didn't want to commit to the very short bob that Brooks is known for; instead I went for something slightly longer, but with the similar shape. I'm quite pleased!!

In other news, Metro Detroit has been experiencing quite the spring-like weather that makes dress-wearing much easier. I only hope it will last longer!

Emily

40s Slip (worn as dress): Mother Fletchers

70s Wrap Top: Value World

50s Shoes: eBay

Peek into my Living Room

I haven't posted about Retroville in a while, so it's about time for an update! After the tree and other holiday decorations came down, it was time to move in my furniture that had been camping out in my garage. I still haven't finished -- the drapes need to be switched out for some barkcloth ones that I got an an estate sale and hopefully someday the pink carpet will be removed, showcasing the fabulous blonde hardwood floors that is underneath -- but for now I am very please and rather excited to be sitting on my own furniture!

Everything in the room that is pictured here was either handed down to me or was bought at estate sales, thrift stores, or flea markets. Here's the backstory on some of my favorite pieces.

Green Couch

A few months after I met Jesse, we were at an state sale and I spotted these two love seats at a sale we were at. They had a price tag of $20 and when I went to inquire if that was each or both, the lady stopped me and said I could have BOTH for $15! Now at the time I was still living at home and had no place to put these, but Jesse knew how much I had wanted a set out love seats like this, so he told me to buy them and we could put them at his house until I moved. What a keeper! Plus, how can you beat $15 for both! They do need to be reupholstered, but for now they work. The pillows were found a few months earlier for $5 for the pair at a flea market.

Bookcase

Mid summer this past year, I eyed this enclosed bookcase on a sale's listing. I thought for sure it was going to be way out of my price range, but as it ended up, it was $30 -- a bargain if you ask me. I would like to find another one some day to place on the other side of the fireplace. These don't seem to be that rare, as I have seen a few since I purchased this one, although in the wrong color. The fake plants are from the library that Jesse works at. They were going to pitch them, so Jesse brought them home and I ended up with them. I love real plants, but fake plants are nice too!

Sconces

The atomic wall sconces were purchased at an estate sale a while ago for the small sum of $9. I was so giddy when I found these in the attic of the home and clutched them until I was ready to check out. I am currently on the hunt for some gold glittery candles to place in the holders.

I may be a bit biased, but I feel this proves that it doesn't have to cost a lot to make your home nice. Pumpkin thinks so too! I think this also goes to show that there still are bargains out there to be found when it comes to vintage pieces. I didn't get all these pieces overnight, but if you are patient, deals are still to be had.

Emily

New Year, New Bag

This week began the start of my final semester of graduate school also known as the reason for my silence as of late. Before class started back up again, I made sure to hit the thrifts, since I might not get much of a chance to do so for a while.

On a visit to a Salvation Army, I spotted this gem while I was in line to check out. It was behind the jewelry counter and I am a bit ashamed to admit that I paid $30 at a thrift store for this needlepoint bag. I rationalized this purchase by convincing myself that I would have to pay this much or even more in a retail setting, so since it was just for me, it was worth it.

What do you all think? I agree that $30 for a purse at the Salvation Army is kinda steep, but at the same time, it is a really nice bag in perfect condition. Would you pay that much for a bag at a thrift store? Am I crazy? hehe!

Emily