For all my readers that are fans of Art Deco design and the fashion 1920s and 30s, I have several boards full of my favourite visual collections over at Pinterest that I add to on a daily basis. You are welcome to follow me there also. Enjoy
Yes…I know, graphic designer that I am – I can’t go past Art Deco images that take my fancy from the 20s and 30s. Added some lovely favs today and others via a fellow blogger at who sometimes comes across images that I don’t have in my own collection. Enjoy
As most of you know, my favourite era is the 1930s, so this week I have scoured Etsy for 30s items that I like and posted them here for you all. From gowns to shoes and accessories, from sewing patterns to homewares. Some of these items are from a few of my fav fellow Etsy sellers such as , , and . Enjoy!
* All items linked back to their original Etsy source.
There are some very talented dressmakers and seamstresses out there designing making amazing garments that are to die for. One of my favourites is , otherwise known as Irma Romero.
Irma is based in London and her handmade clothing range is based on vintage patterns that she sources in archives and old fashion magazines. She also uses vintage fabrics, buttons and notions for her designs.
I adore the classic lines and Art Deco stylings that Irma captures in all her 30s dresses, not to mention the adorable fabrics and fine details. Check out the wonderful 1930s collection on her website. All designs are bespoke and can be tailored to each individual customer’s needs. My favourites are the and the . I particularly love detailing of the collar on the Cora, which can be worn open or closed by way of a large vintage button, giving it two different looks. I would love to have ALL these dresses in my collection…sigh.
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 .
* All items are linked back to their original Etsy source.
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 post on the subject. She has written a great little article
I wore a pair of Seychelles “In With The New” pumps last weekend at Goodnight Sweetheart in the UK, that I bought at ModCloth.com and I adore them! I’ve only danced a little in them (I was just strutting around in them while I was judging the contest), but Lady of Balboa, Kate Hedin told me she has the same pair, and does dance in them. I’ve since found out you can get them cheaper on Endless.com (which you might have heard me rant about before – I love Endless because it’s free shipping in the US, and free return shipping if they don’t fit). I own a few pairs of Seychelles heels now (I bought the gold and black “Lauren” pumps a few months ago). They do glamorous pumps and Mary Janes with a vintage edge, but modern appeal. Here’s a selection on Endless.com:
Classic elegance in the Bibhu Mohapatra Fall 2010 collection. Real art deco feel with the bold lines and shapes, and I’m a sucker for a mixture of textures – furs, tweeds, chiffon, satin, velvet, leather. Beautifully shot as well…
Kenneth Jay Lane earrings are simply amazing. These designer Art Deco drop-earrings are surrounded with round and baguette crystals. Opaque turquoise beads are framed with angled black enamel inlays and the turquoise is visible from both sides of these silver-plated earrings. Finished with the Kenneth Jay Lane stamp of authenticity, these fashionable earrings are truly unique.
I recently stumbled upon Kenneth Jay Lane jewelry line and was wonderfully surprised to find that some of his pieces are vintage looking. Although his pieces are a bit pricey for costume jewlery, his pieces are beautifully made. Isn’t that feather pin gorgeous?! Click links below to view more and to buy!