Yes…I’m on a bit of a swimsuit theme at moment because it is very hot here today, and just because I adore these summery pics from the 1930s. The first one is from Tamarama Beach in Sydney.
So, I thought I would do something fun and write a regular post every 2 weeks that focuses on a particular colour. I will also include pics showing all sorts of vintage fashion items that were produced in varying shades of that colour, hopefully to inspire some new outfit combinations in the future and some possible purchases.
Red: So many shades and varities. Crimson, fire-engine, scarlet, vermillion, cardinal, blood-red and the list goes on. I chose red today because it is a courageous colour and I have needed a lot of that in the last few days. I usually wear red when I am feeling confident and happy. Here are some amazing examples of red vintage/vintage inspired items. How gorgeous are the 30′s bias gowns – stunning! The black and red cloche is also breathtaking.
* Please note that all photos are linked back to their original source.
Categories: Accessories, Clothing, Hats, Shoes
Hi all. I apologise for my lack of posts this past week, but I have been pre-occupied with some personal matters, so felt very uninspired. But, I am back with some pics of some of my current Etsy favourites this week. Today I am focussing on shoes from the 20s, 30s and 40s and there some amazing examples for sale at the moment.
I do adore shoes from the mid to late 30s but find it somewhat difficult to obtain them in my size (8.5) so I am forever looking, looking. However, during my daily searches I always make a note of the beautiful examples I find so that I can show others. I hope you enjoy these lovelies…and maybe some of them will fit you.
* All items link back to their original source on Etsy
Categories: Accessories, Clothing, Shoes
So, I thought I would do something fun and write a regular post every 2 weeks that focuses on a particular colour. I will also include pics showing all sorts of vintage fashion items that were produced in varying shades of that colour, hopefully to inspire some new outfit combinations in the future and some possible purchases.
Teal: A lovely medium blue-green that reminds me of the sea off the islands of Perth and Thailand, cooler weather and rainy nights. As with my previous yellow post, I was inspired this week by a 1940s crepe, beaded gown that I have in my collection in a magnificent teal colour. Here are some beauties in various shades of teal. I think my favourite is the 1920s French opera coat…stunning.
* Please note that all photos are linked back to their original source.
Categories: Accessories, Clothing, Hats
I have been meaning to post this little 2 strip Technicolour film for a while now. It is quite amazing and seeing late 20s clothing and hats in all their coloured glory is mesmerising. I think my favourite hat is the black and white cloche and I love the green crepe ensemble.
You will notice that some of skirts are just slightly above knee. Contrary to what a lot of people think, these shorter lengths were generally only in vogue for a short period of time during the 1920s, from around late 1926 to 1928 and this quite often assists with dating a photo or piece of film. Hemlines soon plunged below the knee again in the early 1930s. Many thanks to Atqui on YouTube for uploading this.
Categories: Accessories, Clothing, Hats, Vintage VideosMore stylish men from the era I adore most, the 1930s. This time featuring knitwear including swimwear, winter woolies and sportswear.
Source: Christian Montone
Bondi Beach, Australia, c. 1932. Source: Vintage Venus
German teenagers in the snow, c. 1930s. Source: Ipernity
Spectacular examples of sweaters (or jumpers as we call them in Oz), Plus Fours and knee high socks. Source: Fedora Lounge
Categories: Accessories, Clothing, Men's Fashion, Vintage Photos
Tagged: 1930s fashion, 1930s knitwear, 1930s mens swimwear, 1930s menswear
This post is inspired by my last. I have drawers overflowing with this stuff (mainly from the 30s and 40s) – but I do love collecting and trying to use them. Must cull some of them soon though, maybe when I open my Etsy shop in mid Feb. So many contraptions; clips, rollers, water-wavers, barettes, finger-wave making sliders, pin-shooters, combs and hair nets. The lucite rollers below are interesting. I have never seen that variety before. My interest is two-fold as I am a graphic designer and I adore Art Deco packaging. Some of it is truly beautiful, especially the hair net envelopes.
* All items are linked back to their original Etsy store.
Categories: Accessories, Hair
Tagged: art deco hair comb, barrette, bobby pins, hair net, marcel waver tongs, vintage hair, vintage hair pins
I found this wonderful page courtesy of Lileks.com a long while ago and just HAD to share it today. After looking over it I realised that I actually have more than half of these items in my own collection! I have used the water wavers quite often (my profile pic is a water wave set) and my rather substantial box of vintage hair doo-dads contains Curly Lox Curlers, Wide Wide Curlers, Kurly Kews, WW combs, Kurl Kuiks, Wavos and Kid Kurlers.
It’s also fun to see the original prices and descriptions of these items. The Baldwin Marcellers are amazing! I’ve seen some online for sale on occasion and they look rather complex to use! And the Nayrs Waving Cap, what a nifty looking device. Wish I could find an old one of those and give it try! Oh blow me down! There’s one for sale at Taste-T Vintage!!
So, I thought I would do something fun and write a regular post every 2 weeks that focuses on a particular colour. I will also include pics showing all sorts of vintage fashion items that were produced in varying shades of that colour, hopefully to inspire some new outfit combinations in the future and some possible purchases.
Yellow: I chose yellow today because I was inpsired by a superb pale buttery yellow, early 1940s dress in my collection, and funnily enough – a 40s handbag to match. Not a colour I would probably wear myself, but lovely nontheless.
In my mind, yellow clothing always screams warm weather and sunny days. So, since it is summer here in Perth, a yellow gathering of items it will be for this post 
And oh so many shades…from canary and lemon to mustard, pale yellow and daffodil! Have also included one modern item in this group…but it is very worthy of being here
* Please note that all photos are linked back to their original source.
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Categories: Accessories, Clothing, Hats, Shoes
Hi all. Sorry that I missed a week of blogging my etsy favs, but I was away for Christmas and New Year on a jaunt the country. Anyhoo…time to start off 2012 with some of my favourite vintage headwear from the 1930s and 40s. I am a big fan of 1930s ’tilt’ hats and ‘toppers’ or straw fedoras that tip towards the eye. So very flattering and sophisticated and I adore the balance they give to the face. For those new to vintage ‘hat-talk’ here is a little background …
Unlike today, hats were an essential part of every womans’ daily wardrobe and were not just worn for special occasions. As a lady, if you went out during the day before 6pm – it really was expected that you wear some type of headwear and that included church, shopping, going to the movies, posting a letter etc. The variety of hats available was endless (except during WW2 when rations were imposed – and ladies would improvise and make their own) and there were so many styles, colours and different hat materials on the market that you could pretty much find headwear to match any outfit you owned and for any season. Hat-pins and clasps were also extremely popular and could make a drab hat look quite special. Milliners were everywhere and huge sections of department stores were dedicated only to displaying and stocking hats.
I have also included a lovely 1930s hat pattern below for those among you who are creative. This great little pattern is produced by my friend Shelley from her very own New Vintage Lady line. Hope you like these beauties as much as I do
* Please note that all photos are linked back to their original Etsy sources.
Vintage compacts…don’t you just love them!! Each one distinctly different from the other – the style revealing a little something about the previous owner. Historically the compact had a slightly shady past. They were originally only used by ‘less desirable’ women such as ladies of the night and actresses. As time moved on, the wearing of make-up became more acceptable and compacts finally came out of the shadows to become a mainstream fashion accessory and were finally used in public without disgrace.
I have a tidy little collection of my own vintage compacts and am always on the lookout for more Art Deco lovelies. They really did come in all shapes and sizes and were made from a variety of materials. My favourite is my ‘Volupte’ case which has a puff, lipstick and place for cigarettes/coins, all carried in a little grosgrain purse (similar example below). Here are some fabulous compacts that are available on Etsy.
To see an another cool collection of compacts for sale, check out Sheryl’s Art Deco Emporium.
* All items are linked back to their original Etsy source.
So, I thought I would do something fun and start writing a regular post every 2 weeks that focuses on a particular colour. I will also include pics showing all sorts of vintage fashion items that were produced in varying shades of that colour, hopefully to inspire some new outfit combinations in the future.
Burgundy. It’s rich, dark, sensual and one of my favourite clothing colours, along with darker greens, browns, rusts, reds, black and navy. I’m not much of ‘bright colour’ girl (much to my father’s disgust…he always comments that I ‘wear too much black’) and I tend to accessorise with brighter pieces or wear a bright shirt with darker skirt/trousers etc. Burgundy usually screams winter and autumn to me but I do have items in cottons and linens in lighter shades and funnily enough; a pair of vintage suede burgundy lace up oxford shoes! Hope you enjoy this collection.
Categories: Accessories, Clothing, Hats, Men's Fashion, Shoes
Recently I discovered that a pair of my favorite Art Deco dress clips were missing from my collection, so pending their reappearance somewhere, I began to search online to see if I could find an identical pair to replace them. I am always amazed at the variety of dress clips that are out there for sale.
So many beautiful designs, sizes and materials are used. My preference is for the very geometric abstract ones. Many Art Deco dress clips were designed in pairs and could be worn on necklines, belts, jacket lapels, purses, furs, shoes and hats. They were held in place with a flat backed hinged mechanism with small spikes, which gripped the fabric. Some were made in the form of a Duette, where two clips could be joined together to form a single piece.
Dress clips were a great way to dress up simple outfits and were worn on everyday clothing as well as evening wear. For some great ideas on how to wear them, check out Tuppence Ha’penny Vintage’s post on the subject. She has written a great little article
Here are some great accessories I have found! You can find any of these stores on Etsy.
Tux & Tulle- Custom & Awesome
BeauxRegard – Handmade from Vintage Fabrics
CustomFalaviaDesigns- OTIS Bow Ties
Comic Firefly – Steampunk Style
JoannaBizu – Classy
Mental Embellisher -Vintage & Steampunk
EstateChicago- Classy
Emmetswyfe- Vintage
Gorgeous handmade blossoms for hair and lapel, at Etsy store DinkybirdBoutique. Most are in the $10-$20 range, aren’t they beautiful? Thanks Stephanie for sharing!
I loved the hair flowers in Marc Jacobs’ Spring 2011 show so much, I thought I should post the detail shots. Lovely flowers, non?
Thanks to Style.com, we can get a closer peek at the lovely coiffed hair, Gruau-esque makeup, killer heels, contrasting colored gloves, half-moon manicures and fine details that made me love this show so so much…
I’m guessing a lot of you know my friend Sara Deckard, or have seen her in some YouTube clip or other, killing it like Josephine Baker in a Charleston battle or swinging out just like Ann Johnson. Well, I bet you didn’t know she has her own jewelery line and handmakes the most gorgeous vintage-style beaded jewelery! Visit her shop Salt Peanuts on Etsy and add it to your favorites too!
Here’s her blurb:
My name is Sara Deckard and I am a Jazz baby.
I love everything about the Jazz era; the music, the dancing, and the fashion. I’ve been making jewelry since my eighth birthday, when my mother bought me a bunch of supplies as a gift. So, it was only a matter of time before the two collided.
I discovered bead embroidery and found it to be the perfect medium for creating pieces that look just like my grandmother’s. I really hope to get going on a number of other projects soon, including hair pieces, hats, gloves and vintage-style dresses.
Visit my Facebook page and become a fan! Fans receive exclusive coupons, previews, and info on special events.
Ahh, so talented! A dancer and an artist, and drop-dead gorgeous with legs up to her armpits, if only we could all be so lucky! And my favourite thing about this chick – she swings out in her vintage. Gotta love that!
Categories: AccessoriesSome lovely hats available right now from BadGirlVintage on Etsy.com….
“Bonnie Parker (October 1, 1910 – May 23, 1934) and Clyde Barrow (March 24, 1909 – May 23, 1934) were well known outlaws, robbers, and criminals who, with their gang, traveled the Central United States during the Great Depression. Their exploits were known nationwide. They captured the attention of the American press and its readership during what is sometimes referred to as the “public enemy era” between 1931 and 1934. Though known today for his dozen-or-so bank robberies, Barrow in fact preferred to rob small stores or rural gas stations. The gang is believed to have killed at least nine police officers and committed several civilian murders. They were eventually ambushed and killed in Louisiana by law officers.” – Wikipedia
That being said, check out Harper Bazaars latest spread:
Love me some pleated pants and a Tommy Gun!
For information on the clothes and where to buy them, check out the full editorial on Harpar’s Bazaar.
Categories: Accessories, In Magazines
Tagged: 1930s, berret, Bonnie and Clyde, Great Depression, guns, harper's bazaar, men, scarf, vintage car
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