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June 30, 2008
I love plastic jewelry, especially Bakelite. But this week, I was inspired by the beautiful little plastic clutches at Alexander McQueen and Karen Zambos.
Lucite clutches are dainty accessories with dual personalities -- small and pretty but with a rock hard shell.
Check out these gorgeous little clutches and get your own bit of fashion personality disorder.
available at Lins Antiques $65
Posted by Sandra at 12:00 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)
June 29, 2008
Wow! I have received so much positive response and emails about the ebook. Because of the direct response I have gotten, and because you all took the time to email me, everyone who contacted me will be getting the book at a special discount price of $19.
I know some people who aren't used to buying ebooks are probably not sure about that price, but let me assure you that is pretty low for an ebook, especially one with such a specialization. Plus, there are other important perks:
1. There are currently no online guides on how to start an online vintage store-print or otherwise.
2. Because of the nature of vintage, a simple how to guide on ecommerce just won't meet the same needs.
3. The ebook will be featuring tips from folks who have been in the business for a very long time.
4. The ebook will be full of online resources that have taken me years to accumulate.
I didn't share all this information before, and many of you still contacted me. So to be fair, I will be extending the offer for another week.
By the way, have you seen how many articles related to vintage fashion have appeared in news papers, magazines and fashion blogs? Thank you Sex and the City and the economy! The truth is, many people want to look good for less and vintage is the way to go. It's a good time for vintage sellers.
If you contact me by July 8, I will honor the special price. After July 8th, the price will go up!
Contact me at ebook (at) debutanteclothing (dot) com
Posted by Sandra at 10:23 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0)
June 26, 2008
Vintage swimsuits have got to be one the best designed garments ever. They accentuate and minimize where needed. Maybe I'm biased because I love to play up my upper body, but would rather cover up as much as possible on the bottom.
Check out these hot to trot (down the catwalk) swimsuits from 1956. Oh, and check out the amount of men at this particular runway show (and their expressions).
Posted by Sandra at 11:59 AM | Comments (3) | TrackBack (0)
June 26, 2008
I am having a moment of total humility here. This past week, I've been lamenting on how to get all of you lovely readers to comment. Is it me? Or am I not giving you what you like? I know there are many fashion blogs that don't get very many comments, but my subscriptions say you're reading, my stats say more and more are finding Debutante Clothing, yet, things are quiet around here. So, I would love to know more about you!
My other fear is that comments aren't making it through spam. After about 30 nasty comments, I had to pull out some heavy artillery to zap the spam.
Come out and play. And let me know what is working and what is not. Really -- I won't cry.
Photo: Alex Woo Little Question Mark necklace
Posted by Sandra at 11:16 AM | Comments (8) | TrackBack (0)
June 25, 2008
It's summer. I've given up on bikini body but my skin is in tank top and minimal make up condition. Unlike my good friend Stevie at LA-Story.com, the queen of beauty products, my beauty arsenal consists of mostly drugstore finds with a few MAC and Benefit products. Some of the best products are ones that don't cost you the equivalent of a tank of gas. Check out my tried and true favorites from drugstore.com!
Zim's Crack Creme, Liquid Herbal Formula
I had extremely dry cracked skin. Not the kind that even Gold Bond could cure. i found Zim's line of Crack Creme products very good. They really take care of cracks and flakiness.
Dickinson's Cleansing Astringent Towelettes
These little towelettes were a blessing when my husband and I traveled to Italy. In the summer. Let's just say that it's a good thing the place is beautiful because the humidity and heat, anywhere else, would've put a damper on the fun. When ever you feel a little sticky or icky, pull one of these out and wipe. You feel fresh and ready to go instantly.
Olay Total Effects Moisturizing Vitamin Complex
One of the best parts of being a writer is that I get to try out products I would never be able to afford. Yet, when it comes to moisturizers, I always come back to my tried and true -- Oil of Olay. It just works. My skin looks taut, moist and nearly pore free. I have combination skin and I have never had a problem with oiliness with Total Effects.
Burt's Beeswax Lip Balm
Remember when all we had was Chapstick? Burt's Beeswax Lip Balm is only slightly more expensive but a thousand times better. It actually moisturizes not just covers up the problem. The minty smell and sensation soothes as it smoothes. For a very subtle day time look, I use this with a bit of lipliner.
Nature's Cure Body Acne Treatment Spray
it wasn't long ago that I would never dream of wearing a halter top or a tank with my hair in a pony tail during summer months. I was so embarrassed of the acne on my back, yet my face was perfectly clear. The irony! I used Nature's Cure for about a month and I rarely break out now. And you don't have to get someone else to spray your back because it sprays at any angle.
Posted by Sandra at 10:58 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)
June 25, 2008
55 Secret Street offers a few tips on How To Not Look Old (Hint: Start Young!)
A Few Goody GumDrops Visits The Met to seeSuper Heroes:Fantasy and Fashion.
Stiletto Jungle features cheap-chic summer fashion finds.
All About the Pretty has a little glimmer and shimmer for her hair with Redken's Glimmer Shimmer Treatment.
Bag Bliss has fallen for Valentino's version of the YSL Nadja Purse!
Bag Snob discovers the Parisian chic of Gerard Darel!
Beauty Snob travels in style with Ooh La Spa!
Calculatus Eliminatus praises the classic leather duffle bag and condemns Mr. Gucci's failed attempt at luggage fashion.
Cheap JAP shows you how to snag the latest in designer discounts with The Top Five Ways to Score at a Sample Sale.
Bohemian chic never looked so good with modern tye-dye fashions, says Coquette.
Fashion, Evolved shares some great indie designed pieces Found on Etsy.
In honor of the upcoming Viktor & Rolf exhibition, Fashiontribes salutes a major talent with a mini retrospective.
I'm Not Obsessed shows you how to get Nicole Kidman's Lady Like Style From Her Recent Vogue Shoot.
KRiSTOPHER is wanting, wearing, and hating DvF dresses
Ladybrille says get ready for a star studded Nigeria Entertainment Awards 2008!
My Fashion Life takes a look at this season's key sunglasses.
Papierblog goes to Chicago to view the SAIC Runway fashion show can comes back with photos.
Quinta Trends talks to Mexican designer Paola Hernández about her career and her participation in the Mexico Fashion Week .
Second City Style feels your pain and finds two smashing Sex in the City outfits for a bit less.
StyleBakery likes short shorts - find out their favorites and how to work the trend
Stylehive shows you 10 Bridesmaid Dresses you'll actually want to wear again!
SugarShock Beauty is loving the humble bar soap again, courtesy of Mor's gorgeously crafted Moroccan Mint Soap.
Sxy Fashion Queen has spotted some really heavenly celebrity shoes.
The Coveted wonders if she really needs another vibrator in her purse.
The Shoe Goddess finds the perfect Fendi pump and dress for fall!
V-Style Shows You Wear to Get Carrie's Studded Belt From the Sex And The City Movie.
WE LOVE BEAUTY.com wants you to Beat the Heat with our favorite summertime product picks for poolside beauty!
Posted by Sandra at 12:37 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
June 23, 2008
I love clothing with illustrations, cheeky patterns and humorous prints. The circle skirt of the 1950s really took a step into the world of novelty with adorable prints ranging from animals to foods to cultural scenes.
Take this 1950s Japanese novelty print skirt. The golden brown serves as a muted background for a bevy of flowers, streams, foliage, birds and Japanese people taking a cruise around the bay. If I wore this skirt, I think people might find me odd because i would be staring at my lap all day.
available at fast eddie's retro rags @ ebay.com
$114.99
Posted by Sandra at 12:00 AM | Comments (4) | TrackBack (0)
June 19, 2008
I really need to watch something else besides TMC. I've been watching silent and just barely talking talkies, with some of the worst editing I have ever seen, and as a result, I have a new obsession with anything flapper or jazzy. I'm sure Miss Kristopher Dukes is thrilled to know a mid century convert.
Unfortunately, as a vintage shopper and seller, it is damn near impossible to find 1920s garments that are in wearable condition. If I were lucky enough to find a piece that isn't shattered or missing a ton of beading, I'd be to afraid to wear it. All it takes is one clumsy guy to spill his cocktail, and that's it! Ruined. Maybe I'm overly cautious.
But if you're like me and you can't shake the flapper cravings, I found some great vintage and reproduction accessories that will give you a bit of tartness for your modern wardrobe. No go forth and listen to jazz, drink, talk about sex, wear too much rouge and drive an automobile and show the world how liberated you are!
Inspiration photo: The Sartorialist
thesartorialist.blogspot.com
Shoes:
Clarks Lena (Black Suede) - Dress Shoes
zappos.com
Gabriella Rocha Cosette (Pink Multi) - Junior Women's Shoes
zappos.com
Franco Sarto Ability (Bloom/Ivory Patent) - T-Straps Dress Shoes
zappos.com
Hair Accessories:
Jennifer Behr
jenniferbehr.com
Handbags:
Decogirl
decogirl.co.uk
Art Deco buckle bracelet
deco-world.com
beaded clutch
sydneysvintageclothing.com
Jewelry:
White Gold Art Deco Dinner Ring
antiquejewelryforsale.com
Technibond® Platinum-Plated Art Deco Ring
jewelry.hsn.com
Posted by Sandra at 12:00 AM | Comments (5) | TrackBack (0)
June 17, 2008
A Few Goody GumDrops tells us that dad needs a day at the beach in a Vilebrequin Bathing Suit
Stiletto Jungle names the top must-have beauty tools.
Bag Bliss has some Father's Day Gift ideas: Bags worthy for Dad
Bag Snob digs the sexy vibe of Hermes Medor clutch!
Beauty Snob brings the spa to YOU!
Cardigans aren't just for posers and indie fashion carwrecks. Calculatus Eliminatus leads you in the right direction towards cardigan enlightenment.
Coquette says there's nothing hotter than a knit chain necklace by Little Purls.
Fashion Indie looks at Miley Cyrus, Madonna, and David Beckham before they had stylist.
Fashion, Evolved scopes out Elwood, the recently re-launched brand that now features off the hook style for the urban betty.
Fashiontribes tags along on a Annie Liebovitz shoot of Sofia & Francis Ford Coppola for Louis Vuitton.
KRiSTOPHER is wanting, wearing, and hating foldover clutches.
Ladybrille interviews Noella Coursaris, Africa's Humanitarian Modelpreneur.
My Fashion Life indulges in some beauty therapy with Satellite3 Cosmetics!
Papierblog goes mod with their Erin with an "e" foto story.
Quinta trends shows Luciana Regolo shoes's: fallen from heaven. She amazed me!
Second City Style gets the scoop on summer hair care and color tips.
StyleBakery.com gives us the scoop on where to find drastically reduced designer duds online
Stylehive delivers 10 Maxi Dresses With Summer Sex Appeal
Looking for a new swimsuit? Fear not! Stylenotes puts together the season's must-have swimwear & cover-ups.
SugarShock Beauty discovers that Kenzo Amour Indian Holi is as pretty on the inside as it is on the outside.
Sxy Fashion Queen loves boyfriend jeans trend.
The Coveted wonders Prada will bring back the bicycle short?
Chipped nails on purpose? You've got to be kidding me! The Fashionable Housewife dishes on less-than-impeccable polish trend.
The Shoe Goddess dishes about her fave celeb looks from the CFDA Awards.
Posted by Sandra at 12:00 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
It's no secret that the number of vintage clothing stores has grown by leaps and bounds. There are many talented photographers and stylists on eBay that are making bad 90s thrift store finds look like runway collections.
In talking with my professional vintage colleagues, and reading vintage clothing message boards, it is apparent that not all vintage is good vintage in this new wave of sellers. While intentions are good and consumers are eager to part with hard earned money even in a recession for hipster vintage looks, it seems not all vintage sellers are implementing ethical selling practices.
Switching designer tags? Claiming something is vintage when it is clearly not? These practices are happening daily on eBay! This hurts the unsuspecting buyer and vintage sellers who are honest and spend great deals of time and money on finding real vintage for customers.
So I have decided to write a little ebook for anyone interested in getting into the fun, treasure hunting world of vintage selling.
It will be available in 1 month. But if you sign up now, I will be giving a special discount. Offer ends July 1st!
Want to get ahead of the rest of the vintage fashionistas? Email me at ebook (at) debutanteclothing (dot) com
Posted by Sandra at 12:00 AM | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0)
You know you are a style icon when people will wear black because your husband died. After the death of Prince Albert in 1861, Queen Victoria decreed a 40 year mourning period which resulted in a great demand for fashionable and affordable black jewelry.
These Victorian era earrings are a perfect example of finding beauty in everything -- even in the morbid.
And with the resurrection of the "steam punk" movement, my normally mid century taste has been piqued by the prim and proper Victorians. When Ukrainian Prime Minister, Yulia Tymoshenko, looks so sharp in neo-Victorian, I'm intrigued.
earrings available at Amber's Attic
$375
Posted by Sandra at 10:14 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
June 12, 2008
"You could tell I was no debutante" -- the words Debbie Harry crooned and the source of inspiration for Debutanteclothing.com. While I used the word debutante for my shop and blog in an ironic, I buy fab clothes (often used), have envious style and still have money in my pocketbook, sort of way, I can't help but admire dreamy dresses worn by real debs of the past.
© Desmond O'Neill Features
And apparently, Kensington Palace loves the debs too. Dresses worn by debutantes in 1958 are on display as part of an exhibition titled "The Last Debutantes", celebrating the 50th anniversary of the last court presentations to the Queen at Buckingham Palace.
And of course couture abounds -- stunning examples of couture dresses by Worth, Dior, Pierre Balmain and Jacques Heim are featured.
But if living vicariously through gazing at beautiful frocks isn't enough, the exhibition also offers a sample of the dizzying but glamorous life of a debutante by offering etiquette, dance and curtsey classes. God forbid you fall on your ass in front of the Queen.
Credit: newsteam.co.uk
Christian Dior dresses the lucky girl (left) and her lovely mother (right) too. And the former debutante, Margaret Chilton, is reunited with her Christian Dior evening gown that she wore at her coming out ball in 1958.
Credit: Richard Lea-Hair / NTI / HRP
vintage Worth dressIf you happen to be in London, do check out the phenomenal display of couture and society living (it's the closest I'll ever get). And don't fear -- you have an entire year to check out the exhibition.
Where: Kensington Palace, London, 0844 482 7799 or book online at
www.hrp.org.uk
When: Opens June 11 2008 until June 2009
Cost: adults £12.30, students/seniors £10.75, under 16s £6.15, under 5 FREE, family ticket (up to 2 adults and 3 children) £34.00
Admission to the exhibition is included in the Kensington Palace ticket price.
Posted by Sandra at 7:45 PM | Comments (3) | TrackBack (0)
June 12, 2008
Many thanks to Glam for the great little video players and Vidcat for the fun reels.
When you think of the New Look, usually you think of the house of Dior. Jacques Fath had a hand in the New Look. If those waists get any tinier, ribs will have to be removed.
Posted by Sandra at 12:00 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
June 11, 2008
I swear, that title was not a ploy to get you to click. They do have something in common.
For the month of June, Turner Classic Movies (TCM) is spotlighting Asian images in film. Last week, I watched a film called Piccadilly starring the beautiful Anna May Wong. I am not familiar with her work, but I was fascinated by her breakthrough roles in early cinema.
Piccadilly is a silent film from 1929 set in London. Shosho, Wong's character, is a poor dishwasher from the wrong side of the tracks who works in an extravagant club called "The Piccadilly". After catching the attention of her boss, who runs a very tight ship, while dancing on top of a table in the kitchen, she becomes the center attention as the new exotic act. Her exotic beauty and sensuous dancing mesmerize the audience, including her boss.
Of course, being a fashion historian and vintage lover, I was totally captivated by the costumes. But not so much by the dancers' costumes as you would expect. I was even more intrigued by the costumes of the simple folks - we're so used to seeing this fantasy of what people wore at the time. In cinema, even the down trodden seem to dress better than what was worn in real life. But this film really captured the essence of what I imagine was worn by the working class.
In one scene, Ana May Wong is wearing a simple skirt and a knit sweater with an adorable keyhole neckline punctuated with little rhinestones. She wore a small beret pulled over her severe bangs. And although her stockings had runs, her shoes were simply adorable. Her mary jane shoes buckled at the top of the foot rather than the side.
This pair of Farylrobin Gia shoes look exactly like Shosho's shoes, except these come with a modern open toe. These shoes are perfect with a little dropped waist dress - a much more unique alternative to gladiators for the summer.
By the end of the film, Anna May has ditched her shabby rags and grows accustomed to the life of an exotic dancer - in those days, her type of dancing was a bit risqué. Anna May clutches fur-trimmed coats and the finest cloches graze her brow - right before the jilted dancer she replaces seeks her revenge. I won't tell you the rest. Go out and watch it.
Posted by Sandra at 12:00 AM | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0)
June 10, 2008
As a writer, it's always a little frustrating to see so few Latino surnames on the mastheads. Especially in fashion. But at the Oscars of fashion, CFDA award winners at included two!
Francisco Costa won Womesnswear Designer Of the Year and Candy Pratts Price (whom I never even knew was Puerto Rican) won the Eugenia Sheppard Award, presented by her boss lady, Anna Wintour.
I'm really not trying to play the race card, but as a Hispanic woman, I feel overwhelming joy when I see a Hispanic win such high accolades. It makes me feel like doors aren't as closed as they once were. But then again, the fashion world has always been much more open to anything.
Photos: Sherly Rabbani and Josephine Solimene, Style.com
Posted by Sandra at 12:00 AM | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0)
June 9, 2008
The color pink conjures up images of sweetness and femininity -- everything girlie. But when you add a trim of maribou feathers, you go from demure to seductive in an instant. I imagine the lady wearing this dress as a dancer who dares to expose a glimpse of her stage props for day wear. A seductive little pink frock don't you think?
dress available at Orchid Room Vintage
$225
Posted by Sandra at 12:00 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
June 6, 2008
55 Secret Street remembers the one and only Yves Saint Laurent for his genius and for being the very first major designer to put black models on the runway.
A Few Goody GumDrops is dreaming of glimmering cupcakes. And you will be too once you set your eyes on this Judith Leiber creation!
Stiletto Jungle delivers an ode to the iconic Tory Burch flat.
All About the Pretty loves sunscreen that you can carry in your purse like MD Skincare Sun Packettes.
Louis Vuitton courtroom trademark news on Bag Bliss
Bag Snob discovers the real stars of Sex and the City: The Bags!
Beauty Snob supports World Ocean Day with La Mer!
Cheap JAP discusses the perils of the Under $100 Outfit.
Coquette picks her best dressed favorites from the 2008 CFDA awards.
All aboard, says Fashiontribes. The Botox Boat is about to set sail!
I'm Not Obsessed shows you how to get Reese Witherspoon's look for less.
KRiSTOPHER is wanting, wearing - and hating - ruffles for spring
Ladybrille gives you the 411 on Gwyneth Shoes, the latest African owned designer shoe brand that goes up to size 14!
My Fashion Life swoons over the eye-catching metallic version of the timeless Chanel bag
Papierblog writes an ode to Michelle Obama's sense of style
Quinta Trends explores theAmada & Cruz proposal.
Dying to know more about the designer duds the stars of SATC wore in the movie? Second City Style has the answers.
Shrimpton Couture says Bye Bye Biba (Again)
Get bejeweled with StyleBakery.com's ultimate summer jewelry guide.
Stylehive Inside Fashion: Behind the Scenes of Greenbaum Clothing's Look Book Shoot!
Stumped on what to get dad for Father's Day? We've got some incredible gift suggestions that dad will surely love at Stylenotes.
SugarShock Beauty has become quite enamored with the strange little pink blob known as the beautyblender makeup sponge.
Sxy Fashion Queen takes you to the dVb Celebrity Team get together!
The Coveted tutorial for craft-dummies DIY Fringe Tank (easier than you think!)
In case you die-hard Carrie fans haven't gotten enough of SATC yet, The Fashionable Housewife found awesome knock-offs of the Dior Extreme Gladiator!!
The Shoe Goddess gets an exclusive interview with Bridget Assil, owner of the trendy, Beverly Hills shoe boutique, Madison.
nitro:licious gives you the first scoop on the upcoming collection of Old Navy's "The Stunning Summer" Collection debuting in July, ON has really stepped their game up!
Posted by Sandra at 9:08 AM | Comments (3) | TrackBack (0)
