Shop the Mad Men Collection

Now that Mad Man has wrapped up for this year (more on that later!) why not add a little late 60s to your life?  I was really inspired by Janie Bryant's vision this season, packing the shop full of fabulous late 60s pieces, and I cannot wait to see how she finishes the series.  What I love most about Bryant as a costumer is that she often uses vintage pieces to get that period accurate look.  And you can too! 

I've put together a Mad Men inspired collection that's now live in the shop.  Here are five of my favorite looks using the real deal -- vintage dresses!

| 60s Jonathan Logan Dress |

Peggy and later Joan both wore dresses with a metal chain detail at the waist.  In both cases, this signified a sense of power for each woman.

| 60s drop waisted dress |

We saw a fair amount of drop waisted dresses so far this season, Peggy being one of the women on the show to really rock this look.  I could definitely see Peggy wearing this brown dress to the office.

| 60s green chiffon party dress |

Trudy only made one appearance this season, but man was it a good one!  While this green chiffon party dress isn't an exact copy of Trudy's, it certainly something I could see her wearing.

| 60s jumpsuit |

From a fashion standpoint, Bonnie was a welcome new addition this season, bringing a lot of bright colors into the fold.  I especially loved her jumpsuit in her introductory shot.

| 60s floral mini sundress |

I also really loved this look Bonnie wore on her "vacation" to New York.  This 60s dress in the shop is a very close copy, but just don't wear sandals with it or you're bound to get a bad case of hippie-foot.

| 60s mini zip front dress | 

The secretary pool has aways had some of the best looks this show has ever produced and this season was no different.  Shirley likes to sport the shortest skirts in the office and you can too!  I've stocked the shop with several 60s mini dresses, but this one might just be my favorite, the the flutter sleeves and zip front.  So cute!

Love these looks?  Readers can take 15% off the entire shop with the code MADSTYLE.  Valid through June 1st 2014.

2014 Summer Reading Classic Film Book Challenge

After being a student for nearly my whole life, I finally feel like I have had enough time off from all the crazy deadlines and never ending reading lists to pick back up reading for enjoyment.  So this summer I am taking part in Raquel's Summer Reading Classic Film Book Challenge and I am pretty excited to get a few titles checked off my list. 


Here's what I'll be reading:

• Confessions of an Ex-Fan Magazine Writer by Jane Wilkie
• Hollywood Hoopla: Creating Stars and Selling Movies in the Golden Age of Hollywood by Robert S. Sennett
• Conversations with Joan Crawford by Roy Newquist
• The Way We Wore: Styles of the 1930s and '40s and Our World Since Then by Marsha Hunt
• Majestic Hollywood: The Greatest Films of 1939 by Mark A. Vieira
• Hollywood Canteen: Where the Greatest Generation Danced with the Most Beautiful Girls in the World by Lisa Mitchell

A few of my selections are for pure enjoyment and a few are for some projects I am working on -- what can I say, it's really hard to fully leave the world of academia.  Now to pour a glass of lemonade and relax on my patio chaise lounge! 

Talking Mad "The Strategy"

After what many perceived to be a lackluster episode 5, this past week Mad Men responded with what could very well be one of the best episode the series has ever aired.  "The Strategy" provided so much interaction between so many characters, delving into story lines that had gone quiet and giving us some of the most heartfelt scenes  the series has ever produced.  Needless to say, I am so pumped for 10pm!

Need to catch up before then?  Listen to "The Strategy" Podcast

This week had some really great looks, but my favorite had to be Megan's purple crochet dress set.  I loved everything about this look; from the bag and shoes, to the hair fall and all the rings.  Say what you will about the likeness of Megan, but Janie Bryant sure does dress her to the nines each week.  hands down, the look of the week.

Speaking of which, many people, including Tom and Lorenzo, weren't big fans of Joan's blue look above.  I personally love this "relaxed" type look for Joan.  It's very period correct for a woman of her age and situation.  Plus, it's the perfect 1969 option for a woman who still wanted to accentuate her hourglass shape -- something Joan has always been conscious of.

Here's a few fashion features I really enjoyed this week:

- Christina Hendricks on her favorite Joan looks

- The Mad Men Fashion File had some really great insights this week, but I do believe that Barbie has made an appearance before, in Season Three when Sally gets a present from Baby Gene.

- Check out the real Burger Chef they used to shoot the scenes

- And I will leave you with this, my favorite scene from last week:

Winner of the "Vintage Trailer Style" Book!

| image source |

Congratulations Heather!   Random.org selected number 14 and you were the 14th comment. 
Please email me (livinvintage at hotmail dot com) and I will get your winnings to you!

Thank you to everyone who entered!  More giveaways to come!   

My Journey Back to Vintage Vol. 2

It's been a little over two months since I shared my desire to get back into my vintage closet again.  I am happy to report that I am a third of the way to my final goal and slowly being able to wear all my fabulous dresses again.  It's all still a work in progress, but I feel so much better than I did just a few months ago.  And, it's been a lot more fun getting dressed these days!

| 50s dress: Oh La La Group; 60s chunky heels: gift; belt: gift; bakelite: estate sales, eBay |

For the first time in a very long time, I am actually really excited for summer!  

Saving Style: Margorie Lollman circa 1940 Oklahoma

Do you ever find old photos of ancestors and you can't remember or figure out quite exactly how they are related to you, but you just know that they are?  Well that's the case with these photos of Margorie Lollman.  I know they were taken in 1940 in Oklahoma and she's either a great aunt or cousin on my dad's side.  

Not too long ago my grandpa sent me a CD chock full of vintage family photos, and while they are all labeled with a name and a date, that's as far as it goes.  Some day, I'll make a photocopy of my grandpa's family tree so I can keep track of who everyone is.  Until then, I am enjoying these photos. I feel like Margie and I have some similar fashion tastes -- must run in the family!  ;)

Talking Mad: "The Monolith" and "The Runaways"

| Mona making a return in "The Monolith."  She wins best look of the week for Episode 4 |

Sorry I missed last week's Talking Mad.  But to make up for it, I have not one, but two podcasts to share with you guys this week!  Tobi (of Space Lion) and I shared our thoughts on both "The Monolith and "The Runaways" respectively.

LISTEN TO "THE MONOLITH" PODCAST

| Megan in an amazing vintage Pucci dress which Janie Bryant temporarily shortened (it can be seen tucked up).  She wins best dressed this week |

In just two episode's time, a lot has happened.

-Peggy got a big raise
-Don's back at the office
-Pete might have gotten SC&P Burger Chef
-the office gets a computer
-Roger spends the night on a commune
-said computer turns Ginsberg crazy
-Ginsberg visits Peggy at home
-Don visits Megan and has a threesome
-Betty stands up to Henry, she speaks Italian, you know!
-Stephanie is back with a bun in the oven
-Sally sword fights with golf clubs
-Lou and Cutler do some scheming in the computer room
-Harry spills the beans to Don about Commander cigarettes
-Don interrupts a meeting
-And Peggy, poor Peggy, gets an unexpected gift in a box

LISTEN TO "THE RUNAWAYS" PODCAST

| I love everything about the way Bryant styled Megan here.  The fall, the eccentric collection of rings, all mixed with the high end Pucci dress |

I have to say, from a fashion standpoint, the last two episodes have been slightly lacking (with the exception of Megan's vintage Pucci dress).  Now, that isn't to say that the costuming hasn't been good, we just haven't gotten a chance to see any of the characters really dress up in some major standout pieces (again with the expiation of the Pucci dress).  It feels like this season has been a bit more on a casual front.  It could be the changing of the times at play, but somehow I remember these characters have a lot more formal events to go to in past seasons.  At least SC&P's secretary pool is making up for some of the other character's slack.

A couple things that didn't make it into the podcasts:

-Tom & Lorenzo point out how many women are wearing pink in "The Runaways" and what this signifies.  Did I mention these guys are genius when it comes to breaking down the fashion meaning in MM?  Check out their "Monolith" recap too.

-It was brought to my attention that Ginsberg's shirt in his final shot resembles a hospital gown -- interesting!

-I believe it was also T&L that pointed out Don's brown suit at the Commander Cigarettes meeting, signaling "tobacco" brown as a way to connect him with the potential clients.  I'd like to add that the last time (and possibly the first time) we saw Don wearing brown was in "Field Trip" when he came back to the office and agreed to play second fiddle to Lou in order to attempt to preserve his position at SC&P.  Might Don's new power color be brown?  I am seeing a possible trend here!

-Get the behind the scenes look at the costumes in "The Monolith" and "The Runaways" 

Tis the Season for Camping! "Vintage Trailer Style" Review and Giveaway

When I was a kid, my family had a Coachman travel trailer (completely with bunk beds for my brother and I) and we did a lot of camping!  Growing up in Michigan meant that most summers were spent either up north, in Canada, or somewhere else in the Midwest -- there are so many great options and I was fortunate enough to be able to visit so many places throughout my childhood.

It's always been a dream of mine to buy a vintage RV and restore it.  I love taking road trips and camping, so I am sure it would get a lot of use.  Plus, I would love to share and create memories with my own family, just my parents did for me.

Seriously, how cute is this corner kitchen sink in this vintage trailer?

I think the other thing that fostered my love for vintage RVs is Lucille Ball's The Long, Long Trailer, a movie I watched constantly as a young girl (and even still do!).  If by some chance you haven't seen this film, I HIGHLY recommend it.  It's crazy funny, the fashion and scenery is pretty spectacular, and it holds some serious vintage trailer eye candy.

Seeing how much I love vintage trailers, I was extremely delighted when I was contacted to review Vintage Trailer Style by Lisa Mora.  My book came yesterday and boy was I excited to crack it open!

Mora covers everything you need to know to get started with your first vintage trailer: from buying tips and how to find your dream trailer to ideas on how to decorate and where to explore -- Vintage Trailer Style has got you covered!  I especially like how each section has a printed tab on the page, making it easy to spot your desired section just by flipping through the book.

Even if you aren't interested in buying a trailer of our own, this book is still of interest to anyone who loves vintage.  Mora has packed the book full of beautiful photos showcasing all kinds of trailers and it was great to see all the different ways people have decorated their RVS.

Want to Win a Copy?

Leave me a comment below telling me where you'd most like to go in a vintage trailer.  Giveaway is open worldwide and will close May 20th 2014 at 11:59 EST.  One entry per person.  Winner will be chosen by a random number generator and will be announced here May 21st.  Good Luck!  :)

*Vintage Trailer Style is a sponsor of Livin' Vintage.  All opinions expressed are of Livin' Vintage/Emily Schwartz

Under $25 Vintage Sale

As a vintage collector and seller, I tend to accumulate a lot of misfit pieces.  You know the ones, that 40s rayon dress with some color fade, a 50s house dress with a small hole, or a 60s dress that needs a new zipper.  I always feel a strong desire to save these flawed, but wearable, vintage pieces from the landfill.  Before you know it, I have a huge bin full of less than perfect vintage and tomorrow I am passing these pieces on to new homes for bargain basement prices!

Follow me on instagram to shop the sale!

All of the dresses (and maybe a few accessories) will need a little boost before they are fully wearable again.  For example, the dresses above need a new zipper (far left), need a dye (middle), need a hem or dye (far right).  Nothing will be over $25 and I do combine shipping!

Want $5 off your shipping?  Share the photo above and use #livinvintagesale and @livinvintage to be counted.

Sale starts tomorrow at 4 p.m. EST and all items will be sold exclusively on instagram.

Hollywood Patterns 1945

Every month I share a vintage fashion scan in my digital newsletter and this month I scanned in an extra page for all of you!  This one is from a Spring 1945 Hollywood Patterns booklet that I digitally restored.

Hollywood Patterns is one of my favorite vintage pattern lines.  It actually was owned by Vogue and used Hollywood starlets to sell part of their line.  Some of these patterns were used as tie-in products as a way to further promote that star's current film.  I'm obsessed with Classic Hollywood tie-in items.  My collection includes everything from match books and bottle caps to rare Latin mini flyers theaters used to help advertise the film.  Maybe one day I'll share some of my favorite pieces.  Would you guys like to see that?

*Feel free to pin this image or share the link.  Please do not re-post, redistribute, or sell in whole or part.  Image copyright Livin' Vintage / Emily Schwartz 2014*

Talking Mad "Field Trip"

If "Field Trip" proved anything about this season of Mad Men so far is it's clearly all about sandwiches and powerful peter pan collars.  Who knew Don Draper liked such a dull sandwich?  

And Betty?  Well, she's back and pretty pissed about Bobby trading away her sandwich.  Why can't he just love her?  Little does Betty know, Bobby longs for her attention and this is a crushing blow to him. 

Tobi and I had a lot to say about this episode, especially how for both of us it demonstrates Mad Men's commitment to excellence in television. 

LISTEN TO THE "FIELD TRIP" PODCAST

Can we take a moment to talk about Joan?  This outfit is may be the best thing Joan has ever worn -- or at least within the last two season.  Finally, Joan is dressed in something much more trendy and fashion forward while still be conscious of her hourglass shape.  This my friends, is how you do polyester!  I'd love to know if this dress is a vintage piece or something Janie created for Joan.  Unfortunately its origin isn't really mentioned in the fashion file released by AMC.

Also, take note of the use of the peter pan collar.  Bryant has been using this style of collar to signify power within different female characters.  Here, Joan is expressing her stake in SC&P as partner; giving firm orders to Don and citing the financial loss the company would take buying Don out.  If you recall back to last week, Dawn sported a peter pan collar when she stood up to Lou, resulting in an elaborate shuffling of the secretaries, and ultimately giving Dawn a promotion.

Hands down, Joan wins best dressed this week.

All Things Mad Elsewhere

-Need a trip down memory lane?  Esquire breaks down the Madcappiest Moments in Mad Men's History

-Take a look inside some of the MM sets

-Ever wonder how many of SC&P's clients are real companies and which ones are made up?  FiveThirtyEight maps out ever client that Don and the boys have signed

-Ad Age shares some of the real headlines from early 1969

-Have you guys been reading Tom and Lorenzo's fashion break down each week?  If not, I highly recommend it!  Each week they give us a closer look at everyone's getup while also breaking down the meaning behind each look.

And I will leave you with this:

April Sponsor Salute

Adele Bee Ann Sewing Patterns

Are you feeling the warmer temps by you yet?  It's still pretty cold here in Michigan, but with all things considered, I'll take 50 degree days over the temps we has just a few weeks ago with the Polar Vortex.  It feels like I have been cooped up inside forever, so I really can't wait to break out all those summer dresses.  In the mean time, I've been checking Adele Bee Ann Sewing Patterns to find the perfect pattern to use with this amazing poodle print I picked up at last weekend's show.

Trish Hunter Finds

Isn't Trish just a doll?  I was delighted when she signed on for April!  On Trish's blog you can find outfit posts, all things vintage, and one of my favorite of her features, the Retro Roadshow.  In this regular feature, Trish showcases vintage items from her own collection and that she spots in her travels, educating readers on their value and history.  Recently, she spotlighted the sunbeam mixmaster and French Twiggy mannequin heads, two of my personal favorites!  So stop on by her blog and tell her I sent ya!  ;)

Want to see your blog, website, or business featured here?  Find out more on sponsoring Livin' Vintage HERE.

Talking Mad "A Day's Work"

With the second (and third!) episode under its belt, Mad Men is proving that it is just as good as it ever was.  Tobi and I are back to discuss last week's episode, "A Day's Work," in which it was Valentine's Day at the office, although neither Peggy nor Don really seem to get the memo on that one.

Peggy is faced with what seems to her as another slap in the face that she is no longer with Ted, or really with anyone for that matter.  Poor Peggy, last season you stabbed your boyfriend and got dumped in an ambulance and this season your fighting for better work against the awful Lou and mixing up your secretary's flowers for ones from Ted.  Hopefully Peggy will get a break soon!  Also, Shirley gets the outfit of the week award this episode, she had on my favorite outfit in this episode and is clearly a front runner for best dressed in the office.

LISTEN TO "A DAY'S WORK" PODCAST

Meanwhile, Don comes clean to Sally and they share some seriously bonding moments over the last half of the episode.  As a viewer who has always been rooting for Don to have a closer relationship with Sally, this episode was a really treat.

As always, Tobi does an excellent job of linking up to all the pertinent articles and reviews, so head on over to Space Lion to see more about our collective thoughts on episode 2.