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February 27, 2008
Norma Kamali Designs for Walmart
Finally! A reason to shop at Walmart. The last time I went to a Walmart, I was scared off by a man who, in the middle of the pot and pans aisle, screamed "Don't be fucking disrespecting me. That why I don't like going anywhere with you."
So the only way I would step foot in a Walmart would be for such an amazing event like Norma Kamali. According to WWD, Kamali will create a collection of women's and children's wear, shoes, accessories, and home decor!
"My life dream has been to promote self-esteem for women and wellness for the entire family," Kamali said. "Now I have the opportunity with Wal-Mart to create products that combine my design experiences with great value and innovative ideas to fulfill this dream. Through the Wal-Mart stores and Web site I can reach more people and affect more lives than in any other venue," said Norma Kamali.
I am especially looking forward to the footwear, especially after being obliterated in the bidding war for a pair of vintage 80s Norma Kamali flats.
photo from WWD.com
Posted by Sandra at 2:21 PM
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February 24, 2008
Vintage Find - Chiffon and Chaotic Ruffles
My favorite styling trick is mixing edgy and soft. This 1960s chiffon overlay cocktail dress embodies that perfectly. The lingerie like simplicity of sheer black chiffon is met by a chaotic mess of ruffles.
I love it when vintage looks like it just stepped off a current runway.

Posted by Sandra at 7:40 PM
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I Dream of Spring Vintage Swap
Vintage Indie, one of my new favorite blogs, is having a virtual vintage swap to honor Spring. In order to participate, I have to answer the following questions and link back. It sounds like fun, so here we go:
a.What's your favorite part of spring?
warmer weather, sandals, dresses, flowers blooming
b. What are your favorite flowers?
roses, calla lilies
c. What types of hobbies/crafts do you enjoy?
writing, collecting vintage clothing, researching fashion history, cooking
d. What types of vintage do you collect or look for?
dresses with great patterns, great wearable shoes, plastic jewelry, designer
e. Any allergies or things that you absolutely can't stand?
allergic to all cow products, except leather, most hand soaps
Go participate! You might get some good stuff.
Posted by Sandra at 1:32 AM
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February 23, 2008
Saks and the Decades of Style
Saks Fifth Ave. has a beautiful fashion editorial on their website using modern, vintage inspired outfits spanning the 1920s through the 1990s. I got a good giggle out of the 1990s spread because it reminded me of Elaine on Seinfeld with her lace up oxfords and minimal garments.

Posted by Sandra at 1:54 PM
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February 20, 2008
Is Your Chanel Bag a Fake?
The most coveted bag for the past two years has undoubtedly been the Chanel 2.55. Mademoiselle Chanel created this iconic bag in 1955, hence the name 2.55.
it seems like eBay is the premiere spot for vintage Chanel purses, but how do you spot the real deal from the fakes? Do your homework! There's nothing worse than being spotted sporting a fake, especially when you paid top dollar.
1. Check the serial number
The serial number will have seven numbers if it was made in the 80s and 8 numbers if it was made in the 90s. In older handbags and accessories there is a white sticker with gold circle CCs all over it. The black 7-digit serial number is black and is in the middle of the sticker. Newer bags have a plastic shield to protect the serial number. There is no plastic covering over this sticker in an older bag.
2. The logo
The interlocking CC logo can be gold, silver, stitched or other material. The top portion of the right C must overlap the top portion of the left C. The bottom portion of the left C must overlap the bottom portion of the right C. In a very few vintage Chanel handbags, Chanel has done the reverse overlaps on their interior flaps.
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3. The hardware
The hardware-chains, pulls, eyelets-will always match each other. If the chain strap is silver, so will the rest of the hardware. If it is gold, the pulls and eyelets will be gold too.
The metallic logo stamp will also match the hardware. You will find a stamp indicating where it was made on the opposite side of the bag either in block letters or in an oval.
Even vintage Chanel bags are expensive. If you think the price of the bag is too good to be true, it probably is! There are still great finds on eBay, you just have to be a savvy vintage shopper.
Posted by Sandra at 9:48 AM
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February 17, 2008
Vintage Find - Chunky Mary Janes
I love all of the vintage inspired booties, shoe boots and mary janes I am seeing on the runways. I love a decorative vamp but appreciate a wearable shoe that looks stylish.
i think these white leather 60s mary janes have to look of a fashion forward shoe witht he comfort of a low chunky heel. Pair these with a pair of bright tights and you'll look like you just stepped out of an edgy magazine.
available at eBay.com
Posted by Sandra at 7:22 PM
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February 13, 2008
An Open Dear John Letter to Ebay
Dearest Ebay,
We have known each other for quite a few years. I've always been good to you-paid on time, had good communication, hardly ever fought with your customer service friends. I even understood when you kept hiking up your fees. I didn't like, but you knew I'd come back.
Yes, you've given me lots of great goodies. My Chanel bags, plenty of 50s dresses. But lately, you've changed. You seem to be giving other girls more attention than me. You knew I wanted the Norma Kamali 80s flats with the edgy ankle straps. But this time, you've gone too far.
Five seconds left, and I was willing to go to $120. I would never do that for anyone else. But it wasn't good enough for you. And why would you want me to receive your goods. I see the younger, prettier girls bidding for your attentions. But you knew how I felt about this dress. You knew how much it reminded me of the Spring Prada collection. Yet you strung me along for a week, and finally, the last ten seconds.
Well enough is enough. I will be looking elsewhere to be showered with beautiful vintage treasures. You have toyed with me for the last time.
Good bye Ebay. I shall miss you.
Posted by Sandra at 10:41 AM
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February 11, 2008
Vintage Find - 60s Courreges Shift
Shift happens! And if you're lucky, it happens in an ultra cute way, wrapped in a mod bow.
Posted by Sandra at 11:33 AM
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February 10, 2008
Valentine's Day Poiret Auction
Last year a popular exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art renewed interest in the French couturier Paul Poiret, interest that is likely to continue on Feb. 14 with a sale of his original clothing designs in Paris.
Now Poiret's grandchildren have consigned 124 of his designs and some paintings to Beaussant-Lefèvre, an auction house that uses the Drouot premises. The clothes belonged to Denise Boulet-Poiret, Poiret's handsome wife, who can be seen wearing them in period photos in the catalog.
Posted by Sandra at 8:31 PM
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Weekend Vintage Link Love

the Coveted shares an amazing video interview with real life treasure hunter, Liz of the Goods
The Vintage Society has gone from a dream to reality. She will be involved with Quicksilver as they sponsor her in making her dreams come true. Congrats!
Vintage Workshop® Milano to Present Two Vintage Fashion Exhibitions-
a huge vintage fashion workshop including displays of vintage clothing from the 20s through the 80s will take place in Milan, February 12-13 and the second installation will take place in March. The exhibition will include accessories, garments and a large collection of fashion books, some very difficult to find.
Ever wish you could put a favorite image onto a dress or T shirt? Vintage Indie shares a fantastic DIY project on how to make image transfers in your own kitchen.
Specialist Auctions goes toe to toe with eBay after yet another increase in sales fees. Check out the press release.
Posted by Sandra at 1:02 PM
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February 6, 2008
Everything is Coming Up Roses
Last spring, I was dying to create some sort of rosette headband or cloche type hat. I was very influenced by a vintage cap I bought and wore to a bridal tea.
In an unfortunate accident, I completely shredded the original, intact netted veil ( I know). But it dawned on me that it would make a cute headband that I could actually wear during the day without feeling costumey. Because realistically the only place I would feel I could get away with a hat is to an event that calls for creative styling.


Christian Lacroix Couture A/W 2008
images from style.com
So of course, I started seeing rosettes crop up everywhere, pardon the pun. And the trend doesn’t really seem to be dying down.
So I will definitely revisit the crafting project, but in the meantime, I am head over heels in love with these cute flower and feather pins/hair clips I found at a very cheap little boutique. The kind that sells really bad knock offs and probably lead based jewelry. But isn’t it cute?
And to fulfill the craving for rosette accessories, I bought this great hat on eBay.
Posted by Sandra at 11:39 PM
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Why I Hate Newbie Ebayers
I was watching these killer vintage Norma Kamali ankle strap flats. They are so adorable and even though they are vintage, completely now.
As of this morning, they were at $49. How in the world did they go over $100 in six hours? Agressive bidding with more than 12 hours left is such a dead giveaway that you don't know how to bid. I hate to give in, but there's no way I can afford these. It kills me too.
Newbies, you're killing my wardrobe.
Posted by Sandra at 10:40 PM
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February 3, 2008
Vintage Find - Schiaparelli Colorful Stockings
I was so taken by the Coveted's and Susie Bubble's gradient tights that I want to find a work acceptable way to wear some color on my legs. Fun color. Legs like candy. Wait. This could go very wrong.
Now Schiaparelli was known for shocking pink, but why not shocking red, orange, blue or teal?
This collection of Schiaparelli stockings is so fun and fits right in with bold color trends coming down the runways.
Posted by Sandra at 8:05 PM
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February 2, 2008
Valentino Finale - A Throw Back to Glamorous Fashion
As everyone knows, Valentino has retired. One, well anyone on Cathy Horyn's blog, can argue whether or not he is one of fashion's greats. The man makes beautiful dress. And for women who want to actually wear fashion, not just analyze it, isn't that the point of designing?
Of course the gowns are stunning and a complete throwback to the women he remembers:
Jackie Kennedy Onassis, Elizabeth Taylor. In addition to the vintage inspired gowns, dresses and hats, the entire production is a throw back to the glamorous days of runway shows. The music was perfect.
Thank you to Linda Grant for providing this link to the final Valentino runway show.
Arrivederci Valentino!
Posted by Sandra at 12:41 PM
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