Vintage Weddings by Daniela Turudich
One of my best friends is planning her wedding, and she's a vintage fiend like me, so I thought I'd check this book out of the library to show her. I haven't had an opportunity to do that yet, but I hope she does have a look at this. Everything in this book is perfect. Her book includes ideas for the decor, the reception, and the wedding attire. Recipes for cakes and beverages are provided. I particularly enjoyed her musical selections by decade. She goes into considerable detail about what people would have worn in each decade. Of course, I was mostly interested in the information about the 40's and 50's era, but I was surprised to find some ideas from earlier decades charming.
Five stars.
Monday, March 18, 2013
Friday, February 1, 2013
Book Review: Official Price Guide to Vintage Fashion and Fabrics
The Official Price Guide to Vintage Fashion and Fabrics by Pamela Smith
This book is positively lovely. It goes into some considerable detail on each decade's style. Although a great deal of the pictures are in black and white, they are excellent detailed images. The pieces pictured are well chosen. These images show the cuts and fabrics of their times very well and give me a good idea of what to look for. I don't typically take much stock in price guides due to the volatility of the market, but the prices given are more of a guideline, especially in the cases of the items that are not pictured and have no brand name label. Excellent sections on the 40's and 50's are included. There is a listing of shops towards the end, and this one includes websites for some of the shops. This is much more useful than just a list of addresses.
Rating: 5 stars. This was a library book, but I will likely make a purchase.
Book Review: Shopping For Vintage: The Definitive Guide to Fashion by Funmi Odulate
Shopping For Vintage: The Definitive Guide to Fashion
This is another one of my library pickups, although it can easily be obtained at a low premium. The major focus of the early part of this book is on individual designers. This isn't really in line with the shopping style, as my tastes are limited to my pocketbook and my patience, but the information is interesting and well researched. The book gives between one and three paragraphs on each designer. One or two designers are described per page. The book is fully illustrated in a beautiful but not greatly realistic style, which is helpful for visualization. These illustrations are not however very detailed or photo realistic, so I'm not sure if I gathered much from them. Short sections are included on jewelry, shoes and bags. Some space is included on collecting and the types of shops where vintage clothes can be found. This guide includes one of my least favorite features in a book of this nature, a list of shops where you can buy vintage clothing. These establishments are all over the planet, which is not terribly useful information for those of us who are not of considerable means. I think it's altogether better to use a phone book or an internet if you are looking for a shop in your area. It would however be useful if you're planning a vacation around vintage shopping. But then, you'd have to do some research to ensure the establishments where you plan to stop are still in business. This sort of feature is much more useful if it's a list of websites.
Overall, it's a rather quite enjoyable book if of limited use for my purposes.
Rating: 4 stars.
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
This season: Retro in mint!
I'm home again from Alpharetta. Today I went on a little expedition to the mall to scope out deals and find out what's in this season. The new spring colors are fabulous! Mint green is way in, and it's about time. That's one of my favorite colors. I also saw plenty of peachy pink, tangerine, and aqua. It's clear we're all ready to get over the dark, drab winter looks of midwinter 2012 and into the fresh pastels of spring! I'm very enthusiastic about it, especially since I just found a great mint green dress at Goodwill for $1. With the right shrug, a slip, and the killer new shoes I bought today, I will rock that dress.
Speaking of the new shoes I bought today, I have a new favorite store at the mall. Francesca's Collections at West Town Mall had an amazing selection of clearance items for half the marked price. I bought a new pair of shoes, two new belts, and a hairband for $26! The shoes were N.Y.L.A.. I'll try to take a picture so y'all can see how nice they are. They're platform lace up booties in ivory. I was amazed at my savings.
Francesca's had some ultra cute little mint dresses in various cuts, some of which recalled earlier times. I'm going to have to go back soon to see if anything else goes on sale.
It's been an eventful day, and it's not even over yet. :)
Speaking of the new shoes I bought today, I have a new favorite store at the mall. Francesca's Collections at West Town Mall had an amazing selection of clearance items for half the marked price. I bought a new pair of shoes, two new belts, and a hairband for $26! The shoes were N.Y.L.A.. I'll try to take a picture so y'all can see how nice they are. They're platform lace up booties in ivory. I was amazed at my savings.
Francesca's had some ultra cute little mint dresses in various cuts, some of which recalled earlier times. I'm going to have to go back soon to see if anything else goes on sale.
It's been an eventful day, and it's not even over yet. :)
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
Sales and vintage fashion
Since I was writing about sales on my toy blog, I thought I would share some of the applicable knowledge I have coming into my vintage shopping experience with you. I'm going to address estate sales specifically here because I haven't encountered any special online sales on vintage fashion so far.
If you've never been to an estate sale before, here's some beginner's advice: Research ahead of time. Examine any pictures made available very carefully and look for clues about the location of the items your interested in. Dress warmly. Bring cash. Bring shopping bags from home if they'll let you, it'll free up your hands. Come early, perhaps hours ahead of time. Take a number when available. Shop quickly and efficiently for the important must haves, and then scan for extras. Double check that you're not missing anything. Don't get carried away and overpay or by things you don't want or need. Some estate companies price items higher than others, so be aware of which estate company is hosting the sale and get to know estate companies in your area.
Now, here's some specific details about shopping for vintage at estate sales. Jewelry is likely to be in cases, typically close to the impromptu cash register. The reasoning for this is that the dealer is rightly concerned about theft. I've heard some terrible horror stories about jewelry thefts at garage and estate sales. If jewelry is what you're interested in, be aware of where it's located and make those purchases first. If you prefer and the sale allows it, you can ask them to hold pieces for you until you're ready to check out, but be aware that theft could occur if the item leaves a case. Jewelry is likely to run more in the upper range of its value than the clothing is at estate sales, because jewelry has a higher perceived value than clothing, especially if the piece is signed and easily researched.
The same principles apply to clothing. At estate sales, they're typically hung in bedroom and hall closets. Now, here's a problem that vintage lovers are likely to run into at estate sales that is pretty unique. Closets in old houses were typically pretty small, so there's only so much room in front of one for browsers. If you want to look in a closet, be sure you're one of the first in the door, otherwise by the time you get your turn, your selections could be very picked over. How competitive this is will depend on the area in which you live. In my area, toy collectors and dealers are a rising trend, and that makes purchasing these items fairly competitive. Vintage clothing has a different audience for the most part, but I've noticed several people trying to rifle through the same closet at the same time. If you go to many sales, you're likely to get to know your competitors, and that'll give you an idea of what to expect from them. Some of these people will eventually be your friends or friendly acquaintances, and some of them will be a discouraging sight.
Items like hats, gloves, and purses are typically located on top of furniture in the bedroom, this includes on the bed itself. If those are the items you're looking for, go there first. Coats may be in a hall closet. Again, scrutinize pictures for exact locations.
Now, typically with vintage clothing, you're going to want to examine for condition, but if the prices are low enough, you'll be tempted to just grab a bunch of stuff and go. You got step one right. If you like it, hold on to it long enough to think it through. This is where the shopping bags come in on small items. Poke it in your shopping bag if it'll fit without risk of damage or serious wrinkling. Clothing can become very heavy very fast, and awkward to hold on to, so be aware of this. If an estate sale worker offers to put your items in a hold pile and you think you can trust them and the other shoppers, let them do it. This will free up your hands, and free hands are key to staying ahead. But be aware, someone may accidentally or intentionally purchase your items while you're looking around, so be vigilant.
Back to the condition issue. Look at your items in the light of day before you purchase if you can. The register is typically outside the garage, so you will likely be able to examine your purchases for common problems. Use this opportunity to look for problematic stains, holes, rips, signs of knock offs and reproductions, loose seams, and other negative aspects that will dissuade you from making your purchase. This information can change your impression of what you'd pay for your item or even whether you want it at all.
Make your final selections, pay, lock your items in your car, and then look again. You never know what you might have missed.
If you've never been to an estate sale before, here's some beginner's advice: Research ahead of time. Examine any pictures made available very carefully and look for clues about the location of the items your interested in. Dress warmly. Bring cash. Bring shopping bags from home if they'll let you, it'll free up your hands. Come early, perhaps hours ahead of time. Take a number when available. Shop quickly and efficiently for the important must haves, and then scan for extras. Double check that you're not missing anything. Don't get carried away and overpay or by things you don't want or need. Some estate companies price items higher than others, so be aware of which estate company is hosting the sale and get to know estate companies in your area.
Now, here's some specific details about shopping for vintage at estate sales. Jewelry is likely to be in cases, typically close to the impromptu cash register. The reasoning for this is that the dealer is rightly concerned about theft. I've heard some terrible horror stories about jewelry thefts at garage and estate sales. If jewelry is what you're interested in, be aware of where it's located and make those purchases first. If you prefer and the sale allows it, you can ask them to hold pieces for you until you're ready to check out, but be aware that theft could occur if the item leaves a case. Jewelry is likely to run more in the upper range of its value than the clothing is at estate sales, because jewelry has a higher perceived value than clothing, especially if the piece is signed and easily researched.
The same principles apply to clothing. At estate sales, they're typically hung in bedroom and hall closets. Now, here's a problem that vintage lovers are likely to run into at estate sales that is pretty unique. Closets in old houses were typically pretty small, so there's only so much room in front of one for browsers. If you want to look in a closet, be sure you're one of the first in the door, otherwise by the time you get your turn, your selections could be very picked over. How competitive this is will depend on the area in which you live. In my area, toy collectors and dealers are a rising trend, and that makes purchasing these items fairly competitive. Vintage clothing has a different audience for the most part, but I've noticed several people trying to rifle through the same closet at the same time. If you go to many sales, you're likely to get to know your competitors, and that'll give you an idea of what to expect from them. Some of these people will eventually be your friends or friendly acquaintances, and some of them will be a discouraging sight.
Items like hats, gloves, and purses are typically located on top of furniture in the bedroom, this includes on the bed itself. If those are the items you're looking for, go there first. Coats may be in a hall closet. Again, scrutinize pictures for exact locations.
Now, typically with vintage clothing, you're going to want to examine for condition, but if the prices are low enough, you'll be tempted to just grab a bunch of stuff and go. You got step one right. If you like it, hold on to it long enough to think it through. This is where the shopping bags come in on small items. Poke it in your shopping bag if it'll fit without risk of damage or serious wrinkling. Clothing can become very heavy very fast, and awkward to hold on to, so be aware of this. If an estate sale worker offers to put your items in a hold pile and you think you can trust them and the other shoppers, let them do it. This will free up your hands, and free hands are key to staying ahead. But be aware, someone may accidentally or intentionally purchase your items while you're looking around, so be vigilant.
Back to the condition issue. Look at your items in the light of day before you purchase if you can. The register is typically outside the garage, so you will likely be able to examine your purchases for common problems. Use this opportunity to look for problematic stains, holes, rips, signs of knock offs and reproductions, loose seams, and other negative aspects that will dissuade you from making your purchase. This information can change your impression of what you'd pay for your item or even whether you want it at all.
Make your final selections, pay, lock your items in your car, and then look again. You never know what you might have missed.
Sunday, January 6, 2013
Update from Beautiful Alpharetta Georgia
Just a little update to let you know I am not resting on my laurels. I'm in the midst of reading another great resource to review! I have several available to me here, although I'm out and about. I'll also be comparing some similar books to help you make selections for your own reference.
When I get back, I have a few things I'd like to show you from my collection. I may go shopping while I'm here as well.
You'll be hearing from me again soon.
When I get back, I have a few things I'd like to show you from my collection. I may go shopping while I'm here as well.
You'll be hearing from me again soon.
Friday, January 4, 2013
Book Review: Fashions of a Decade: The 1920's
This book details not just the fashions of the 20's, but also the culture. Some fashionable people of the time are woven into the information. There are lots of pictures, both black and white and color illustrations. I had no idea 20's styles could look so good! I' in love with the Egyptian inspired brooch on page 47. Menswear is covered as well as women's fashions. A considerable portion of the book is dedicated to background information that helps explain the mentality of the times.
Although the 20's is not my favorite decade, the book did inspire some interest. My take aways from this book were that I like Egyptian inspired jewelry, women wearing tailored menswear and 20's era hats.
Rating: 4 Stars.
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