Archive for the ‘Women’ Category
The Eton Crop and the Cloche
It was the 1920s. The Great War was over, women won the vote, and the music of the Jazz Age empowered us to bebop our way through a period of sustained prosperity. Of course, women still had it tough, but we were beginning to assert our independence and break free from many sartorial and social restrictions. Indeed, our fashions reflected this new-found freedom. We wore looser, shorter clothes, bobbed our hair and discovered that make up isn’t just for prostitutes.
It was also during this time that the hairstyle known as the Eton crop (the short, slicked-down cut worn by Josephine Baker) became so popular. It is said that the Eton crop emerged during this time because it was the best hairstyle to show off the trendiest hat of the era, the cloche.
A cloche is a fitted, bell-shaped hat (originally invented by milliner Caroline Reboux in 1908), typically worn very low on the forehead. This style of hat peaked in popularity in the 1920s and continued to be seen until about 1933.
These days, whether vintage or new, cloche hats continue to represent feminism, independence and the height of style. Below we have gathered a selection of vintage, new and custom made cloche-style hats found on etsy this week. Click on each image below to see the full listing.
Hand made royal blue cloche with vintage button from yellowfield7 on etsy. $380.
Hand made fedora in dusty pink and gray fur felt from TheMillineryShop on etsy. $265.
Hand made beige cloche with buttons from RetroReproHandmade on etsy. $69.
Made-to-order felt cloche (modified from vintage pattern) with bow and chains from FeltFancy on etsy. $30.95.
Vintage teal wool cloche from alleycatsvintage on etsy. $38.
Hand blocked cherry red cloche from Steambobbin on etsy. $105.
Dark gray felt cloche with feathers from ohmama on etsy. $175.
One of a kind, hand made slate and pheasant cloche from KelseyPitney on etsy. $40.
Hand blocked gold wool cloche with taffeta ribbon from neworleansmagpie on etsy. $58.
Custom made 1920s-style cloche with red wooden buckle from bonniesknitting on etsy. $85.
Vintage 1970s furry felt cloche from jackiedretroboutique on etsy. $28.
Add a pop of color to your ensemble with this vintage peacock blue felt wool cloche from misswonderful1950 on etsy. $26.
Custom made wool felt cloche with side draped pleats from LuminataCo on etsy. $125.
Vintage brushed wool cloche with wide leather band from IKAHN on etsy. $34.
Vintage mossy green brushed felt cloche from yellowfeathr on etsy. $24.
Vintage brown cloche with sleek black patent trim from SparrowGardens on etsy. $30.
Simple cream cloche with bow from BlancheandEleganza on etsy. $40.
Great Gatsby! Clementine light gray cloche with orange trim from yellowfield7 on etsy. $385.
Diminutive Dresses
My neighbor Bich Ngoc is a tiny Vietnamese woman. Not regular tiny. Like when she turns to the side, she disappears tiny. Shopping in the children’s section tiny. Anyway, you get it. She’s small. And because she is so miniscule, her fashion problems are often dismissed because small is viewed by most as an advantageous trait. Unfortunately for Bich Ngoc, few people (especially other women, rawr) have sympathy for her plight. That is, until now. Today, we are featuring a number of diminutive vintage dresses for women like Bich Ngoc, all in sizes extra small and smaller. And not just cute girly dresses, but sexy frocks to put a little sizzle on our lusciously lean ladies. Click on each image below to see the full listing.
Vintage 1960s celadon satin cocktail dress, size XXS-XS, from crushvintage on etsy. $64.
Vintage late-1950s Lanz navy party dress, size XXS, from coralvintage on etsy. $200.
Vintage 1960s mod cage dress, size XS-S, from Thrush on etsy. $118.
Vintage floral halter dress, size xxs, from bitterrootvintage on etsy. $28.
Vintage 1960s white party dress, size XS-S, from Thrush on etsy. $84.
Vintage 1950s mocha latte wiggle dress, size XXS-XS, from retrorocketgirl on etsy. $65.
Check out this sexy plunging halter dress. Vintage 1960s blue Hawaiian maxi dress, size XXS-XS, from CatseyeVintage on etsy. $125. Just marked down! 50% off!
If I were this size, this would be mine! Vintage 1960s mod dress, size XXS-XS, from michelleanna on etsy. $40.
Vintage 1960s black and gold cocktail dress from HepCatClothes on etsy, size XXS-XS. $185.
Vintage 1970s day dress, size XS, from vintagemarmalade on etsy. $46.
So sexy. I love the low back and fitted darts. Vintage tweed and raw edge black lace dress from Samlovesvintage on etsy, size 0. $89.
Vintage red dress, size XXS-XS, from JulesAtelier on etsy. $97.90.
Vintage 1960s silk brocade dress, so Mad Men, size XXS-XS, from leafpeoplevintage on etsy. $29.
Vintage 1950s chiffon secretary dress from VeriteVintage on etsy, size XXS-XS. $124.
Vintage 1970s pink sun dress, size XXS-XS, from HalfPastaFreckle on etsy. $28.
Vintage turquoise & white polka dot dress, size XXS-XS, from LolaJeanVintage on etsy. $40.
Vintage plaid mini-dress, size XXS-XS, from DiamondGraffiti on etsy. $12.
Vintage sweet eyelet sun dress, size XXS, from MsTips on etsy. $42.
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 Red Dress Needs Home
Someone please buy this dress and wear the hell out of it. It’s phenomenal.
Vintage 1970s cherry red draped sleeveless maxi dress. Buy it Now for $42 on eBay.
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.
1966: Mod Men
The “Mad Men” season four finale was set in October 1965, so we can logically assume that the fifth season, premiering in March 2012, will be set in 1966, the same year a subway strike brought New York City to a standstill. I can’t wait to see how they integrate that into the show.
1966 was a year of ups. Inflation was up, race tensions were high, the war in Vietnam was escalating, hemlines soared, and the U.S. and Soviets were involved in a little space race to the moon. Up, up and away! 1966 also marked the year the Black Panther Party was formed and when feminists founded the National Organization for Women (NOW).
On the fashion front, 1966 was all about London’s Carnaby Street look. André Courrèges had recently invented go-go boots and the mini-skirt, Pierre Cardin was doing the space age thing and Twiggy, dubbed “The Face of 1966,” dominated fashion magazines.
This week, we are getting in the mod mood with some 1960s-flavored shoes and boots. Get them now before season five begins and you will be way ahead of the curve. Click on each image below to see the full listing.
Vintage 1960s space age white patent pumps on eBay. $75.
Vintage 1960s patent leather white and caramel shoes from whiteflufflyclouds on etsy. $46.
Vintage 1960s white buckle loafers on eBay. $35.
Vintage Florsheim white and brown leather loafers on eBay. $35.
Vintage 1960s CHRISTIAN DIOR mod gladiator heels on etsy. $178 or make an offer.
Vintage 1960s white patent mary janes from DJVintage on etsy.
Vintage 1960s white patent leather heels from salvagehouse on etsy. $20.
Vintage 1960s beige patent leather heels from 101Vintage on etsy. $19.
Vintage new old stock 1960s white patent leather loafer pumps from llandr on etsy. $34.
Vintage “Joyce of California” white leather mary janes on eBay. $45.
Vintage dead stock 1960s mod white shoes with tassel. $50 on eBay.
Vintage 1960s NEVER WORN navy blue patent loafers from Mirror Mirror Boutique. $70.
Insta-gators! Transform your shoes into go-go boots. Vintage 1960s black vinyl go-go stockings from snapitupvintage on etsy. $110.
Vintage 1960s mod leather boots, made in Brazil. From suffer4fashionvintag on etsy. $50.
Jones New York off-white square toe ankle boots on eBay. Current bid $7.99.
Vintage 1960s go-go boots on eBay. $50 or make an offer.
Vintage 1960s white vinyl go-go boots from alfa3 on etsy. $90.
Vintage Twiggy white patent leather short boots from GreatShoesandBags on etsy. $60.
Vintage 1960s red patent go-go boots from Mirror Mirror Boutique. $65.
PRADA black leather mid-calf boots on eBay. $170 or make an offer.
Vintage 1960s gold metallic stretch boots from hillbillyfilly on etsy. $72.
Vintage 1960s dead stock go-go boots from snapitupvintage on etsy. $158.
Vintage 1960s white patent gladiator boots from retrothreadz on etsy. $300.
Vintage 1970s cream stretch vinyl go-go boots on eBay. Buy it Now for $9.99.
Vintage 1960s white leather cutout boots from sadiedeluxe on etsy. $165.
Vintage 1970s navy blue stretch vinyl go-go boots on eBay. Buy it Now for $9.99.
Vintage 1960s golden metallic go-go boots from retrothreadz on etsy. $125.
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.
Don’t Call It a Statement
Fashion critics are so in love with “statement” pieces these days (eye roll). It’s not that I don’t believe a hat or a piece of jewelry can make a statement, but putting the word “statement” in front of a noun has become so ubiquitous in fashion magazines and on TV shows that it often refers to a wide range of gaudy sins.
This Fall, don’t try to make a statement with your fashion. Instead, just be yourself and wear what you think is fun and cool. You know what I think is fun and cool? Vintage pendants and necklaces from the 1970s. I particularly covet Lanvin’s lucite pendants from that era. I also love Trifari, Sarah Coventry, Coro, Avon, Miriam Haskell, Napier, Whiting and Davis. Yes, many of the necklaces from this era are chunky, but don’t call it a statement. Don’t call it anything. Just wear it, and when someone begs to know where you got it, that’s when you can make your official statement.
Unfortunately, my jewelry armoire is at capacity at the moment. However, just because I can’t acquire anything new doesn’t mean you have to go without. Here are some of the 1970s-era necklaces I would buy today if I had the storage space. Click on each image below to see the full listing.
Vintage Lanvin signed necklace and earring set from ChicDeuxChic on etsy. $595.
Vintage 1970s “key party” pendant from Elsewind on etsy. $24.
Vintage 1977 Givenchy necklace with geometric pendant from gathersalot on etsy. $147.
Vintage Trifari white lucite necklace from mooivintage on etsy. $79.
Vintage 1970s egg shaped pendant necklace from lapoubellevintage on etsy. $24.
Vintage Trifari cream and green spinner necklace from mooivintage on etsy. $225.
Vintage 1970s Napier lucite choker from PRELOVEVINTAGE on etsy. $39.99.
Vintage Trifari black and silver enamel necklace from mooivintage on etsy. $59.
Vintage 1970s Avon Town and Country (I love that name) tortoise shell pendant by nickandnessies on etsy. $24.
Vintage Trifari modernist necklace and earrings from mooivintage on etsy. $99.
Vintage 1970s Whiting & Davis gold mesh bib necklace from stilettogirl on etsy. $62.
Vintage Egyptian revival enamel pendant from theCollectedCollage on etsy. $55.
Leos! Vintage 1970s lion head pendant with amber foiled cabochons for eyes from twinheartsvintage on etsy. $46.
Vintage (unsigned) 1970s Egyptian-inspired choker from bigyellowtaxivintage on etsy. $45.
Vintage 1970s white enamel and gold tone modernist pendant from fmvintage on etsy. $22.
Vintage Crown Trifari “waterfall” necklace. Same necklace (different color) Meryl Streep wore in The Devil Wears Prada. $39 on eBay.
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.
This Week's Look 