Archive for the ‘1980s’ Category
Off to the Laces
I don’t know much about royalty or Kate Middleton or what a queen consort-to-be does in her free time, but I know a knockout dress when I see one. Ever since the Duchess of Cambridge appeared this summer in a blue lace dress by Erdem, copycats have popped up all over the Internet.
I love the simplicity of the dress with its bateau neckline and half sleeves, it feels very vintage 1960s. There are many ways you can work a lace dress into your rotation this season without looking like a fad-chasing Kate wannabe. We found a number of timeless, vintage pieces on etsy and eBay this week. Click on each image below to see the full listing.
From the office to cocktails. Vintage 1960s lace dress on eBay. Current bid $49.
Vintage 1950s two-piece pink lace set from melsvanity on etsy. $98.
Vintage Titanic-era silk dress with lace overlay from a French estate sale. Current bid on eBay $15.56.
Vintage 1950s violet lace and chiffon dress from jantiques on etsy. $85.
Vintage 1950s mesh and lace wiggle dress with matching belt from charlottage on etsy. $91.
Va-va-vintage 1950s cobalt blue lace dress from VintConditionStyle on etsy. $76.
Vintage mesh and lace evening gown. $110 on eBay.
Vintage 1960s lace mermaid dress from JunkSisters911 on etsy. $75.
Vintage 1950s delicate black lace sweetheart dress from DOTTO on etsy. $86.70.
Vintage 1960s white Illusion lace wiggle dress from FabVintage on etsy. $44.
Vintage 1960s black lace party dress from lovedodo on etsy. $55.
Vintage mocha and cream lace dress from PuckerUpVintage on etsy. $40.
Vintage 1960s chiffon and lace caped pencil dress from SybilStyle on etsy. $38.
Vintage 1960s pink lace party dress from DecadencePast on etsy. $74.50.
Vintage 1980s black lace cocktail dress from 19vintageclothing on etsy. $45.
10 Halloween Masks
It’s time to start thinking about this year’s Halloween costume. Here’s some inspiration. Click on each image to see the listing.
Good Mourning
It’s a dreary Labor Day holiday weekend here on the blog. My Harold returned to France and I stayed here in Self Pity City. Anyway, I didn’t feel much like shopping, so I found some exquisite mourning gowns on eBay instead. Click on each image to see the full listing.
New with tags black silk Chanel gown on eBay. $1,999.
Vintage Halston one shoulder gown. $594 on eBay.
Black Halston one shoulder gown on eBay. $1,249.
Black Imitation of Christ beaded silk gown on eBay. $600.
Black Jil Sander evening gown on eBay. $833.33.
Vintage black and gold, one shoulder evening gown on eBay. So Sharon Stone in Casino. Starting bid $799.
BCBG black tulle, one shoulder ball gown on eBay. $415 or make an offer.
Vintage 1960s “Jane Justin for Don Sophisticates” black wool day dress. $300 on eBay, or make an offer.
10 Vintage Dresses Under $10
Simply 10 great vintage dresses for less than $10. Click on each image below to see the full listing.
Vintage 1970s blue plaid Peggy dress, size S-M, from bardotvintage on etsy. $9.99.
Vintage 1960s space age navy blue scooter dress, size L-XL. Current bid $9.99 on eBay.
Vintage 1960s op art geometric print dress, size L-XL. Current bid $9.99 on eBay.
Vintage orangey-red half sleeve turtleneck dress, size M. Current bid .99 cents on eBay.
Vintage 1970s secretary dress, size M/L, on eBay. Current bid .99 cents.
Vintage 1970s tropical floral black palm leaf dress. Current bid $4.99 on eBay.
So Built by Wendy. Vintage 1980s plaid mini-dress from vastlyvintagefrocks on etsy, size smallish. $9.99.
Vintage 1970s Gunne Sax calico dress, size M. Current bid .99 cents on eBay.
Vintage 1970s to early 1980s striped dress from DejaVuExperience on etsy. Size 8-ish. $9.99.
Vintage 1960s floral mini-dress from OhSweetJosephine on etsy. $9.99.
Vintage Tall Boots in Larger Sizes
For my sister, who has humongoloid feet (just kidding, just kidding), today we are featuring vintage (and new but vintage-y) knee-high boots in larger sizes for women. I wear size 8.5 to 9, so I tend to look for vintage shoes that measure about 10.25 to 10.50 inches from heel to toe and about 3.25 inches across. The boots listed here today are size 9.5 and larger. As vintage sizing can vary dramatically from modern sizing, don’t go by the size marked, look at the actual measurements. Click on each image below to see the full listing.
My sister’s feet, pictured above left. Look at them. Just look at them. Also, that’s my niece Devyn in the middle and me on the right.
Vintage 1970s merlot suede boots, size 9.5, from digvintageclothing on etsy. $57.
Vintage Bruno Magli crocodile embossed boots, size 39.5, on eBay. Starting bid $90.
Vintage suede buckle boots, size 9.5, on eBay. Starting bid $45.
Vintage 1970’s knee high leather boots, size 10.5, from FreestyleVintageCo on etsy. $55.
Vintage cranberry knee boots, size 40 or 9.5, from stellahsgroove on etsy. $60.
Vintage Italian tan leather boots, size 41, on eBay. $80.
Vintage 1980s gray leather boots, size 10, from 20twentyvintage on etsy. $62.
Vintage 1970s burgundy leather boots, size 10, from DecadesBaltimore on etsy. $60.
Vintage taupe leather knee boots, marked size 10, from shopgoodgrace on etsy. $33.
Vintage 1970s burgundy leather boots, size 9.5 or 40, on eBay. $47.
Vintage 1970s red leather boots, size 11, from Spelfenmeisje on etsy. $38.
Vintage suede flat boots, size 10, from FiregypsyVintage on etsy. $65.
Vintage fur lined moon boots, size 10, from artstylefashion on etsy. $50.
Vintage 1980s Gloria Vanderbilt bisque leather knee boots, size 10, from arabiannight on etsy. $52.
Vintage 1990s burgundy leather boots, size 11, from funkykittyvintage on etsy.
Vintage Westies boots, size 10, from TXvintagebootsshoes on etsy. $55.
Vintage 1960 to 1970s buttery platform boots, size 10, made in Brazil. $400 on eBay, or make an offer.
Vintage Aigner oxblood knee boots, size 9.5, on eBay. $125.
Vintage Italian suede boots, size 9.5, on eBay. $69 or make an offer.
New Twiggy London red suede boots, size 9.5, on eBay. $60.
New cayenne rain galoshes at modcloth.com, size 40. $50.
Fashion Files: André Courrèges
André Courrèges, self-proclaimed inventor of the mini-skirt, launched his ultra-modern ‘Space Age’ collection in 1964 and went on to become one of the most copied fashion designers of all time. A former civil engineer, Courrèges’ clothes were sharp, angular and mathematically designed. His clean-cut collection included trouser suits with immaculately cut straight legs and streamlined jackets. The look was created using heavyweight gabardines and other heavy fabrics to maintain a rigid structure. He also employed PVC, metal and plastic in many of his designs.
Today, vintage Courrèges pieces from the 1960s are rare and can sell for hundreds of dollars. Below are some vintage Courrèges items found on eBay and etsy this week. Click on each image to see the full listing.
Courrèges red wool gabardine mini-dress, 1964. Photo credit: Victoria & Albert Museum. Dress donated by Stavros Niarchos.
Vintage Courrèges “Eskimo” sunglasses. Current bid $162.47 on eBay.
Vintage 1960s Courrèges Sunkist orange PVC jacket from TimelessVixenVintage on etsy. $550.
Vintage Courrèges cap toe patent gogo boots from pamcoco on etsy. $335.
Vintage Courrèges lavender a-line dress from vintagedresscloset on etsy. $395.
Vintage Courrèges purple PVC vest by pamcoco on etsy. $525.
Vintage Courrèges dress with mesh back from violentvintage on etsy. $390.
Vintage 1960s Courrèges structured jacket from EndlessAlley on etsy. $110.
Mod Courrèges orange vinyl wallet from snapitupvintage on etsy. $175.
Vintage Courrèges modernist earrings from popgoesmyvintage on etsy. $40.
Vintage Courrèges black vinyl purse from snapitupvintage on etsy. $285.
Vintage Courrèges “Futur Couture” dress. $690 on eBay.
Vintage 1970s Courrèges ivory wool and mohair dress from thriffany on etsy. Also available in black. $250.
Vintage 1960s Courrèges navy blue handbag from TheMysteryDrawer on etsy. $150.
Vintage Courrèges stamped enamel necklace. $95 on eBay.
Vintage Courrèges sheer sweater from violentvintage on etsy. $120.
Vintage Courrèges sweater with drawstring waist. $109.99 on eBay.
Vintage 1970s Courrèges silk scarf. $160 on eBay.
Vintage Courrèges “Sport Futur” dress. $213.34 on eBay.
Vintage Courrèges sunglasses frames on eBay. $85.
Vintage Courrèges Hyperbole wool jacket. $699.95 on eBay.
Vintage Courrèges sculptural sunglasses. $980 on eBay.
Vintage 1970s Courrèges cashmere blend turtleneck sweater. $70 on eBay.
What Would Mrs. Roper Do?
Just three days into August, my favorite month of the year, and I’m already feeling a tinge of sadness for the end of summer. Still, as much as I relish the heat and humidity, when the thermometer ascends to triple-digits, my wardrobe inevitably suffers. It’s times like this a girl needs some fashion inspiration to see her through. It’s times like this a girl must ask herself, “What would Mrs. Roper do?”
A sassy and liberated woman of the 70s, Mrs. Roper wouldn’t let the dog days of summer bring her down. She would throw on her finest caftan (or kaftan), sexually harass her neighbors and insult her husband, all with an air of freedom and panache.
Short, long, cinched at the waist or wide open, an airy caftan is the sizzling summer secret to adding a languid air to your ensemble – without sacrificing style. Below are some of the more wearable caftans we found on etsy and eBay this week. Click on each image to see the full listing.
Make your own caftan! Vintage Simplicity 5680 caftan pattern from mbchills on etsy. $15.
Vintage 1960s or 1970s red gold caftan with cinched waist. Current bid $42.95 on eBay.
Vintage 1970s desert princess caftan from charlialana on etsy. $34.
Vintage floral mini caftan from fabledfancy on etsy. $48.
Vintage 1980s Christian Dior caftan from poetryforjane on etsy. $26.
VIntage 1970s plaid maxi caftan from midnightflight on etsy. $30.
Yellow striped batik caftan from EastAsiaHeritage on etsy. $35.
Handmade eco-friendly cotton kimono from ecofriendlybeauty on etsy. $60.
Vintage 1970s or 1980s lilac caftan with floral print from heidihodge on etsy. $26.
Vintage 1970s lion’s head, semi-sheer caftan from renouveauclothing on etsy. $58.
Hand drawn batik caftan from EastAsiaHeritage on etsy. $38.
Vintage 1970s striped tunic from PomPomClothing on etsy. $42.
Vintage 1970s ivory caftan with palm fronds from jantiques on etsy. $38.
Peachy rose short caftan by fivestonesvintage on etsy. $75.
Vintage 1960s pleated Hawaiian caftan on eBay. Buy it Now for $28.73.
1960s or 1970s Alfred Shaheen luxe Grecian caftan by closetcaseVNTG on etsy. $118.
Vintage 1971 abstract kimono-like caftan from ranchqueenvintage on etsy. $120.
Vintage mini caftan on eBay. Buy it Now for $42.
Vintage 1960s pink jersey caftan from luckyvintageseattle. Nice fitted waist so you won’t get lost in it. $165.
Vintage pleated, knee-length caftan from LuvStoneVintage on etsy. $58.
Vintage Hollywood glamour caftan from BoudoirBarbie on etsy. $48.
Vintage metallic rainbow pleated caftan on eBay. Current bid $9.99.
Vintage 1970s embroidered caftan from LoveStreetVintage on etsy. $150.
Vintage flying hearts caftan from FabulousDresses on etsy. $27.99
Vintage 1970s caftan blouse from heidihodge on etsy. $20.
Vintage Essentials for Men
When you combine a bad ass vintage leather jacket with the intoxicating scent of aloofness, it’s like pouring pheromones all over your body. But first, you need to find the right jacket. Therein lies the dilemma. Scoping vintage clothing requires patience and focus. The kind that comes with dos equis chromosomes. But fear not my comrades, for I am here to help you.
There are a number of ways you can go with a vintage leather jacket. Café racer, Brando, bomber, Fight Club, safari, Members Only, blazer, Donnie Brasco, pimp. I tend to prefer the belted spy or military styles. However, that length can be difficult to pull off for some. Consider what length best fits your body type. Resist the urge to buy a roomy jacket. Fit is everything. A guy in a slouchy or boxy leather jacket just looks awkward. Buying online is tricky, so know your measurements. You can also measure a jacket you currently own (one that fits well) and use that as a guide. I like honey, cognac or caramel browns over black. Below are some of the best vintage leather jackets for men we found on eBay and etsy this week. Click on each image below to see the full listing.
Vintage 1970s belted leather jacket, size 38. $96 on eBay.
Vintage brown leather flight jacket, size 38. $59.99 on eBay.
Vintage 1970s, dark brown leather jacket, size 38-40. $129.99 on eBay or make an offer.
1970s Vintage safari jacket with four patch pockets, size 38. $50 on eBay.
Burnt sienna leather jacket from apocalypsevintage on etsy. $65.
Vintage 1960s or 1970s brown leather jacket, size 40. $68.95 on eBay or make an offer.
Vintage brown leather jacket with zipper pockets, size M. $69.99 on eBay or make an offer.
Vintage light blue, mod leather coat, size M. $99 on eBay or make an offer.
Vintage 1970s or 1980s burnt sienna jacket from StuckOnVintage on etsy. $56.25.
Vintage black, safari-style leather coat, size 40. $130 on eBay.
Vintage burnt orange leather jacket, size 44. $55.24 on eBay.
Tailored vintage rusty brown leather coat, size 36. $78.12 on eBay.
Vintage 1970s, ochre brown leather jacket from icouldbegoodforyou on etsy. $110.
Vintage brown leather coat with woven detail, size 40. $180 on eBay.
Vintage 1960s dead stock, gray leather jacket, size M. $199 on eBay.
Vintage dark reddish-brown leather coat with shearling collar and lining, size 38-40. $140 on eBay or make an offer.
Vintage 1980s light brown leather blazer, size 40. $38 on eBay.
Vintage light brown leather jacket, size 38. $159.99 on eBay or make an offer.
Beat It! Vintage 1980s red leather jacket from 86Vintage86 on etsy. $68.
The Long View
Here on the blog, we like our handbags long and strong and we’re down to get the friction on (apologies to Sir Mix-a-Lot).
Sometimes, a handbag is just a handbag. Nothing more than a utilitarian vessel for your crap. Sometimes they are status symbols, carried by it girls and celebrities and coveted by the middle class. Then there are the rare ones. So astonishing on their own, they become part of the outfit.
I own such a handbag.
At an imposing 22 inches in length, my vintage black leather clutch, with its brass frame and sleek, single compartment, is the first to arrive at the party and the last to leave. One does not take this purse out on the town, the purse takes you.
It’s not easy to find an impressive specimen like mine on the Internet. If you’re in the market for an extra long purse that will command a room, you can’t really search for purses by length, it’s tedious. And length is not just important here. It’s everything. The handbags you browse must be 14 inches or longer. 16 to 18 inches is ideal. For maximum drama, 20+ inches is the holy grail. And rare. If you find one, buy it. Immediately. You’re not searching for shoulder bags here. You want clutches, envelope purses, baguettes. Vintage categories will produce better results.
To help you along on your quest, below I have assembled the results of my latest extra-long handbag search. Click on each image to see the full listing.
22 inches! Incredible vintage burgundy clutch on eBay. A rare find. $99.
19 inches! Vintage black patent super long clutch from NanasMercantile on etsy. $47.50.
18.5 inches. Vintage tapestry clutch on eBay. $45.
16 inches. Vintage 1960s exquisite white clutch from ayek8 on etsy. $24.
17 inches. Vintage 1970s extra-long silver clutch with purple lining on eBay. $16.95.
16 inches. Vintage 1950s to 1960s Cadillac clutch from gokittengo77 on etsy. $24.
18 inches. Vintage, light yellow, woven (possibly silk) purse with plaid interior from dancingwindcreations on etsy. $40.
15 inches. Vintage 1950s dark brown elongated clutch from theswankyfox on etsy. $18.
14.5 inches. 1970s beige foldover clutch from rockthisvintage on etsy. $20.
14 inches. Vintage 1960s black patent leather zippered envelope by anewlife on etsy. $28.
14.5 inches. Vintage 1960s white clutch from charlialana on etsy. $16.
14 inches. Vintage 1960s brown vinyl handbag from newtovous on etsy. $34.99.
16 inches. Vintage 1950s oversized clutch from shhbang on etsy. $60.
18 inches. Vintage extra-long carpetbagger clutch from diddle47 on etsy. $35.
Get Pumped
I love brightly-colored vintage pumps. I really love dead stock vintage pumps. And I really, really love brightly-colored, dead stock vintage pumps in my size. Case in point, my newest acquisition. A lovely pair of vintage electric blue pumps in like new condition.
Vintage, dead stock pumps by Proxy. Electric blue leather. Knotted bow detail on heel. Made in Spain. Purchased on etsy for $32.
And here they are on my feet. Don’t they look smashing with my white-on-white tuxedo striped pants?
During my search for these bad babies, I passed on quite a number of awesome, brightly-colored vintage pumps. Below are the some of the shoes I rejected, not because I didn’t like them, rather I’m trying to exercise restraint when it comes to shopping. My loss is your gain, so get pumped.
Click on each image below to see the full listing.
Vintage 1980s purple pumps from RaleighVintage on etsy. $18.
Vintage 1980s yellow snakeskin heels from kokorokoko on etsy. $44.
Vintage red stilletos from amberpear on etsy. $40.
Vintage 1980s Neiman Marcus hot pink leather pumps from amymcleod on etsy. $34.
Vintage royal blue leather heels from pickypickins on etsy. Made in Spain. $34.
Vintage yellow peep toe heels from maisondec on etsy. $26.50.
Raspberry satin pleated pumps from magiebelle on etsy. $30.
Vintage Wild Pair electric blue leather stilettos from oraclemuse on etsy. $27.
Vintage 1980s Bandolino red hot peep toes from sweetrefrainvintage on etsy. $25.
OK, so these aren’t brightly-colored, but they are exactly like my blue ones! Vintage 1980s ivory leather pumps by Proxy, with knotted bow detail on each heel. From myvintagelook on etsy. $25.
This Week's Look 