Wiggling in my LBD

During my move, I discovered lots of things I had completely forgotten about.  One of those things happened to be a giant tub full of vintage dresses I had put aside at the chance that they'd one day fit.  

It was like Christmas morning going through all the dresses, many of which are no longer my style and are heading to the shop!  However, this 50s black lace wiggle dress is staying with me.  It's hard to tell in the photo, but it has a satin ribbon along the under bust that wraps around the back.  I love the silhouette that detail creates.  I think my search for the perfect LBD has finally ended.  

Livin' Vintage Shop on BuzzFeed!

So something really exciting happened yesterday!  One of my shop's dresses got featured in a buzzfeed article!

29 Bright Yellow Dresses To Help You Channel Kate Middleton

It's always so exciting when someone you don't know loves one of your items enough that they feature it in an article.  Since my business is still young, this kind of press really means a lot!

a glimpse into the 1951 academy awards

I just discovered this feature in one of my vintage fan magazines and thought what better and more fitting time than now to share it?

I wish these were better quality, however, most fan magazines were printed on cheap paper and meant to be read once, then tossed. 

I have to admit, I don't really watch the Oscars much anymore, but I do like to check out the red carpet specials.  My pick for best dressed this year goes to Cate Blanchett or Catherine Martin -- loved both of their dresses!

These images are property of livin-vintage.com (Emily Schwartz).  Feel free to pin them or share the link to them.  Please do not repost or redistribute these without permission.

Lately...

Last week was a busy one!  Lots of catching up from the DIY.  In between regrouping from the show, I managed to fit in some thrifting, estate sales, a flea market, and a trip to Eastern Market.  Here's some shots from last week: 

| Nelly Don ad in a 60s Harpers Bazaar |

| 1920s dress coming soon to the shop |

| pepper plants spotted at Eastern Market |

| beautiful beading on a 50s sweater -- coming soon to the shop |

Are you on instagram?  Lets follow each other!

Find me @livinvintage

What's New

I'm so excited about the new stuff that has hit the shop in the last two weeks!  And, I'm even more excited about beginning to offer vintage menswear.  For now, there are just going to be a few pieces scatted in throughout the regular ladies offerings, but if it does well, you can expect to see a whole lot more!

                                        50s White Sequin Skirt                                                  50s Plus Size House Dress

60s Mens Suede and Wool Sweater

                                           60s Mens Shirt                                                           60s Mod Sundress

40s Yellow Platform Heels 

Like something you see?  Readers can save 10% with the code: READERS13

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.

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

The Wild

It's not very often that I score really collectible vintage stuff in the wild. Finding bakelite, lucite purses, and Swirl dresses normally requires searching the good ole interwebs. However, occasionally I get lucky and find one of these such items while out thrifting, a.k.a in The Wild.

This Swirl was such a find. While combing the racks at a booth at the Midland Flea Market, I came across this dress, realized it was a Swirl and was super giddy at my luck. There was, however, no price tag and I was sure the seller was going to say some crazy number. Instead she held up 5 fingers. $5?! Ummm.... Yes!!! Seriously, the best deal I have ever gotten on a Swirl and I am sure I will probably never get this lucky again. Isn't the print just darling?

Emily

50s Swirl: Midland Flea Market

Sweater: Target

Old Navy Jelly Flats: Plato's Closet

Red, White, and Swirl

Have you seen The Help yet? I am a sucker for any kind of costume drama or period film, so I just had to go see The Help. IFrom a vintage fashion standpoint, it was really good! I thought the costumes and sets were very spot on. I even have some of the glasses that they used in the bridge scene! I'm not surprised at the execution of the costumes, Sharen Davis was responsible for them. Davis has worked on other period films such as Ray (2004) and Dreamgirls (2006). I would totally recommend you check out this film if you are into vintage fashion. My favorite character from the film was Celia. I love her look and think she was a sweetie, even if it wasn't totally realistic. If you have seen the film, who was your favorite?

Emily

50s Homemade Swirl: etsy

Tennis Shoes: Target

Swirls and Stripes

When I spotted this Swirl on eBay, I knew I had to have it. And, fortunately, I was able to score it for a song!

In other news, as summer approaches its end, so does my summer vacation. For the first time in a long time, I am not excited to return to school. Although, the good thing about this fall is that it will begin my last year of graduate school. In April, I will graduate and will hopefully have found a teaching job. I am hoping that by that time there will be some openings here in Michigan so I can stay in the state. April cannot come soon enough! ;)

Emily

50s Swirl Dress and Carved Bakelite Bracelet: eBay

Sandals: Kohls

Rain, Rain, Go Away

It has been raining here pretty much every day since the beginning of last week. With the exception of this weekend, the sun has been hiding. Yesterday, the sun was out and the humidity set in. I wore this sweet little wrap dress for a trip to the store to get some more veggie plants and some dirt.

I found this dress marked for only $12 "as-is." I really couldn't figure out what was wrong with it, since it was deadstock, complete with its original tag. I then noticed it only had one tie and the other one was missing. I knew I could just sew in some hooks and eyes and wear a belt and the dress would be good as new and a super cheap deal in a retail setting.

Oh, I also chopped off most of my hair at the beginning of last week, on a lark! I am still getting use to it and figuring out how to style it, since this is the shortest I have every had it. :)

Emily

50s Wrap Dress: Lost and Found

Belt: Salvation Army

Auburn and Green

Red it is! I decided to dye my hair a red auburn color. It didn't come out as red as I was hoping for, but it is a great change and I am really enjoying it. Maybe next time I will opt for a redder red.

This is what I wore on Saturday on my weekly trip with my beau to the farmers' market in Detroit. I have another swirl exactly like this one and I really love this style from Swirl. This outfit was quite the hit on Saturday.... I received a few compliments from passer-bys. :)

After the market, Jesse and I stopped by the grand opening of the second location of my favorite resale shop, Regeneration. We didn't know that they were opening a new location, so we were both excited to look around and see what they had to offer. I found an amazing 50s mexican dress and a cute 50s day dress for only $1!!! These finds will be pictured in my next edition of my Michigan Vintage Shopping Guide.

What did you find this weekend?

Emily

50s Swirl Dress: eBay

60s Tennis Shoes: Value World

Vintage Bakelite Bangles: Estate Sale

It's Finally Spring Time!!!

Finally!!!!! Some warmer weather has hit Michigan!!!! I can't even begin to express how excited I am about this!!! This winter, I have complied quite a large new spring/summer wardrobe which I am so giddy about!

This is one such outfit. It is a handmade vintage knock-off Swirl dress in the sweetest daisy novelty print. I just love red and yellow together! The bakelite I am wearing in the post will be shown sometime next week, as I am preparing a bakelite post.

Hope you're experiencing some lovely spring weather too!!

Emily

50s Knock-Off Swirl, Vintage Bakelite Earrings, & Vintage Carved Bakelite Bangle: eBay

Tennis Shoes: Target

So About That Blogging Break....

I didn't realize that it really has been three weeks since I blogged! The end of this semester of grad school was busy and difficult; but the good news is -- it's over!!! Now I can get back to sharing my outfits and my vintage finds! Even though I haven't had time to write here, I have been thinking about some fun stuff to blog about. :)

On another note, above is what I wore to church on Easter Sunday. I bought this set in the dead of winter at this great resale shop that has a small and super affordable vintage section. The dress and jacket set (which is lined in the same fabric as the dress and came with its belt!) was only $24 -- seriously one of my best finds ever!

I woke up kinda late on Easter morning and didn't have time to really put on much make-up or really style my hair. Speaking of hair, I am bored with mine and need a change. I am thinking of dying it red, but I would like a new style too. Any ideas?

Emily

50s Dress and Coat Set: Regeneration

Vintage Gloves: Were my Grandma's

40s Heels: Southfield Vintage Clothing Expo

Putting Some Color into Winter

I don't you know about anyone else who is experiencing all this SNOW and SLUSH, but I am SO beyond ready for SPRING and some warmer weather. I want to wear my bright springy dresses and cute shoes again. I don't know how those gals in the 30s, 40s, and 50s wore dresses and heels (cute shoes) everyday! Maybe it didn't snow as much back then.....

Anyways, the other day I was in need of something to brighten this dreary weather and pulled this Swirl out of my closet. I decided I could keep it "winter appropriate" by sticking with black accessories. I also got a chance to wear this awesome little clip I got a few months back. One thing's for sure, dresses and tights sure do fight the cold way better than jeans!!

Don't forget to enter my giveaway and/or get your extra entries in. Up to four are allowed. Giveaway closes tomorrow at midnight.

Emily

Dress: eBay

Sweater and Flats: JC Penny

Tights: Target

Hair Clip: Etsy

A Fun Evening at the Pictures

Saturday, my beau took me to see Arsenic and Old Lace at the Redford Theatre. We decided to treat it like a fancier night out and got dressed up. I have been itching to wear this new sweater, which I scored at a local resale shop for a grand deal of $5. It had two holes in the back and I was able to repair them, although it was not as easy as had hoped it would be. They were only cuts (kinda like slits) but they weren't straight, making the mending process a bit difficult.

The photo above is me standing on the balcony at the Redford. The movie palace was build in 1927-1928 and the owners have restored it to all its old glory. I know the picture doesn't show much, but it sure it pretty inside!

Here you can see more detail of the sweater. It is beaded with faux pearls and yellow seed beads all along the collar and down the front on either side of the buttons and button holes. I don't own many items in yellow (my favorite color) and just had to get this and try to restore it, saving it from becoming part of the garbage mound. In the future, I would like to pair it with a grey dress, but until I find the right one, this black dress will have to do.

My beau is wearing a vintage 70s button down shirt I bought for him and a vintage sweater. I really love that he is into vintage just as much as I am, even if it is different eras of liking. I took the picture myself and kinda cut myself out, but I still think we look cute. ;)

Emily

P.S. I am only 13 more followers away from holding my 200th follower giveaway. I have some great stuff planned for it!! ;)

50s Beaded Sweater: Regeneration

50s Rayon Dress: Lost and Found Vintage

Belt: Kohls

50s Heels: eBay

Bakelite Bracelets: Were my Grandma's

Can I Take Your Order?

I have nicknamed this dress my waitress dress. I have always thought it has a bit of a uniform feel to it. All that's missing is a notepad and a pencil. ;)

This week has flown by so far! I haven't even gotten around to cleaning all my treasures from this past weekend. I picked up several pieces of vintage clothing -- some for me and some for my etsy, which I am planning on reopening. I found a few plus sized dresses this weekend, all with about a 50 inch waist. They are perfect for Springtime and once I get some pictures taken, be sure to check out the blog for a sneak peek before they head to the shop.

Emily

50s Dress and Bakelite Earrings: eBay

50s Heels: Ferndale D.I.Y.

A New Do

Last week I decided very spur of the moment to get a haircut. I wanted to try something completely different from anything I had before and I wanted to do something kinda short. I ended up getting a bob and will probably be trying out some 30s hair styles soon. I bought this curling iron from Ulta to try out some faux finger waves. Once I get some decent results, I will share on the blog.

I wore this outfit to a cool little local event in Detroit, the Holiday Baar Bazaar. The Bazaar featured a night of shopping and sipping on some beer or wine. The vendors included some vintage clothing and housewares, vintage records, and crafty goods. I bought the cute little bobby pins below. I have a mild fascination with sparrows and thought these would be fun with my new haircut, plus they were only $5. The seller has an etsy shop, which can be found HERE.

50s Dress: eBay

Shoes, Owl Necklace: JC Penny

Sweater, Tights: Target

Belt: Kohls

Vintage E Pin: Estate Sale

60s Earrings: Mother Fletchers

Mixing of Eras

For a recent family outing in which dressy attire was required, I decided to go monochromatic and wear all black and also mix some of my vintage pieces from different eras to create a fresh look. Besides my undergarments, my tights are the only new piece in the whole outfit -- everything else is vintage! Most of the pieces are from either the 50s or the 60s and I tried to tie the look together by doing a more of a 60s do with my hair.

I think this dress is my new favorite "little black dress." It has a high neck so it is so easy to wear almost anything over top of it, plus its sleeveless, so there aren't a bunch of layers bulking it up.

I also wore a vintage coat and gloves over the dress, but forgot to take pictures. What a good blogger I am! ;)

Emily

Dress: Lost and Found Vintage

Vintage Heels: Garage Sale

60s Earrings: Mother Fletchers

Sweater with Faux Fur Collar: Bloomfield Hills Vintage Clothing Expo

Tights: Target

Belt: Off a 40s Dress

How About An Outfit Post?

I can't believe how long I have been away from blogging! So much has been going on here; grad school is keeping me VERY busy. But, the good news is that the semester ends in exactly 17 days and I CANNOT wait!!!

This photo is back from October when I attended the vintage clothing expo. I bought two dresses and a suit, which I still need to photograph! I also need to take in the suit jacket and replace the zipper and button on the skirt. I got the suit for a major deal though, only $20 (it was a deal considering how high everything was priced at this thing). It's early 50s and is the most lovely grey color. Photos of my finds to follow.

I love this dress... and so did many of the dealers at the expo. :)

Emily

Dress: Lost and Found Vintage

Shoes, Earrings, & Bakelite Bracelet: Estate Sales

Purse: St. Louis Estate Sale

Hat: St. Louis Antique Mall

Belt: Target