Tuesday, February 24, 2009

My Favorite Vintage Coat and Skirt

Do you wear vintage? I have bought and worn vintage since I was in high school in the early 80's. The quality and dressmaker details in some of the older pieces is really amazing. Today, I thought would share with you my favorite vintage coat and skirt, both from the 1940-50's.
First, the coat... Its a heavy wool coat with a fitted waist and full skirt. It weighs a ton! But it sure keeps me warm. :)
It originally came with the fur collar, but, I'm not a fan of wearing fur, so I removed it. I think it looks better without it, too. The small stand-up collar makes it easy to add whatever scarf I want.
It was purchased over 2 decades ago at a rummage sale sponsored by the Art Museum's Ladies Auxillary. It used to be a big event held very other year in downtown Cincy. (Sadly, the event was discontinued).
The skirt is a gorgeous wool plaid number with covered buttons and sewn down pleats. I think I've mentioned before how I wear a lot of skirts, and this one has certainly been a staple in my wardrobe over the years.
My mom actually bought this at the Goodwill when I was still in high school. (remember when you could still find cool stuff like this?) Thankfully, it was a little big for me then, and she had moved the buttons over...So as I gained weight over the years, I was able to move them back and have it still fit.
This is the back. My manni doesn't really have a butt, but the pleats hang very pretty on a real person.

I have also bought a number of vintage sweaters, dresses, and purses. Although I don't wear head-to-toe vintage, I think adding one piece to an outfit makes a fun statement.
Why not checkout some of the vintage clothing items offered on Etsy.

Saturday, February 14, 2009

Vintage Fabric Finds ~ 70's Daisies

I stopped by my favorite antique store today. The owner has a soft spot for vintage textiles and always has a nice stock of fabrics...I never leave empty-handed. :)
Today, it was all about these cute daisy prints from the 1970's. (Oh, and one fantastic 50's atomic-y print. I'll show you that last)

First we have this small piece of daisies with gingham strawberries and turtles...
Second we have blue on blue daisies with pink centers. There has to be 8 yards or more of this one!
Next, its reddish-orange daisies on a semi sheer, linen weave background. The fourth is gingham butterfies and daisies in that classic 70's color scheme of lime green and orange. And last but certainly not least, we have a very cool print most likely from the the 1950's. It has a selvage width of 36 inches and features purple and chartreuse squares on black. (colors are much better in person).
I love it when there's enough yardage to keep some for myself! The rest will be up on the website as soon as I get them photographed and inspected.




Saturday, February 7, 2009

The Latest Sash Bag and a New Bedroom Light

I needed a new light fixture for the bedroom. The previous one was an old chandelier and a couple of the lights had started to ficker and sometimes wouldn't come on at all. The idea of an electrical fire from wires shorting out did not sit well, so I started looking for a replacement.

We found this fixture at Lowes. I like that it still has some sparkle but in a little different, more contemporary shape. (Its really much prettier than my photos show.)
Little crystal daisies spread out across the ceiling on airy stems.



And on a completely different note...

So, here's what I've done with those gorgeous fabrics I showed you in the last post. I sewed up another of my Linen Sash Totes and used a combo of Garden Party fabrics for the sash and a Bellbottoms Block print for the interior. Both of the prints coordinate beautifully with the golden yellow lining fabric, but with each side of the sash the bag takes on a different personality.And with multiple ways of tying, knotting, folding, cinching, and pinning its like having several bags in one.

I also picked up some metal rivets to try on my next bag. I was able to find a store that carried them just minutes from me, thanks to Stephanie of Lulu's Cottage. :)

I've been playing around with them this weekend and I'll show you the results in a future post. Enjoy the weekend, everone!

Oh, before I leave I just wanted to let the Typepad bloggers know that for some reason I can't get my comments to post on some your blogs?? I press POST and that little wheel thing goes around and around (which tells me its doing something) but it never finishes. :(

If anyone knows what I can do to fix that on my end, please let me know. Thanks!