Debutante Clothing :: The Deblog :: A vintage clothing and fashion blog for unconventional style where vintage, street and runway meet.

me and Jennifer

Aileen and bf Matt

hot blonde

and her 1920s hat (quite unusual)

© Desmond O'Neill Features

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.

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.

If 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.

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Shout Out to Latino CFDA Winners

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

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Vintage Shopping Tips With Vintage Expert Holly Brubach

With the vintage Dior sale now under way at Yoox.com, Holly Brubach shares some insider tips on how to shop for vintage clothing. Holly has served as Style Editor at The New York Times Magazine and The New Yorker. She compiled a collection of her essays and published a book titled "A Dedicated Follower of Fashion". Currently, she is also a contributing editor for Vanity Fair and the Creative Consultant for YOOX. Is there anything she can't do?

Check out this special Q & A with the vintage expert...

What are a few statement pieces in the Dior sale?

A Haute Couture cocktail dress from the 1967 Spring Summer collection, which once belonged to Maria Felix, the legendary film star of the 1940s-1950s and devoted customer of Dior. The dress was purchased from Christie's of New York.

With the founder's death in 1957, Yves Saint Laurent took command of the Dior Empire adding a modern twist to Dior's excellence is portrayed in the gorgeous afternoon dress in giraffe print featured in the sale.

Dior's accessories are statement pieces within themselves. The crystal starburst earrings or the Brooch in Gold toned Metal with Cabochon Stones are truly eye catching pieces that can bring elegance to any outfit; whether it is paired with a pair of jeans, a suit, or an evening dress.

What do you believe are the best years of Christian Dior's work?

Certainly 1947, the launch of the New Look and its elaboration in subsequent seasons. But he remained a dominant force in fashion throughout the Fifties. All designers have their ups and downs, but I don't believe Dior had a "bad" collection. His career was cut short by his untimely death.

How should vintage be worn today?

The first rule of thumb is: not head-to-toe. It's important to mix vintage with contemporary, to integrate the old with the new in a way that doesn't call too much attention to the vintage item(s), just as an antique chair can become part of a modern room. Concentrate on the whole effect and not on a single piece. Many people treat vintage too formally, maybe because it's "precious." But one great way to make it seem completely timely is to pair it with jeans.

What accessories best go with a vintage outfit?

Ones that aren't of the same period. It's important to contrast the old and the new and, if the outfit has great presence, not to choose accessories that are self-important and compete with it.

What is the best way to shop for vintage?

Online! The vintage landscape has been transformed by the internet, bringing unique pieces to an avid audience. It's still worthwhile, making the rounds of the dealers, but it requires a lot of legwork and the best of them are scattered across too many cities for one person to cover.

How should vintage be cleaned and maintained?

With care! Find the best dry cleaner where you live, with a reputation for handling high fashion and a familiarity with different materials. The most fanatical collectors store their clothes in boxes, in acid-free tissue, to preserve items that are museum-worthy. But hanging vintage items that you wear often is fine.

If I buy vintage will I look old?

No, but that's a common fear. The crucial thing is to mix it. It requires a certain self-assurance to carry off wearing vintage. Perhaps that's why it's often associated with women who have great style.

How do you know if you are getting a deal with vintage pieces?

It helps to know a little history, which is easily accessible. As far as pricing is concerned, you can research what similar items from the same designers have sold for. But because pieces are often one-of-a-kind and the demand is competitive, the rule of thumb is the same as for anything else in fashion: if you love it enough, it's worth the price....

How can I wear vintage year round?

Some designers, like Emilio Pucci, specialized in resort wear and their looks translate easily into warm climates and seasons. Others, like Balenciaga, were better known for their coats and suits, more structured looks. Accessories are a great way to incorporate vintage into a summer wardrobe. Experiment with vintage jewelry, handbags and scarves to add an accent to the latest clothes in a way that's chic and personal. Dior's pieces are timeless and able to be worn year round, making them true fashion treasures to own.

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Costume Institute Gala Vintage Style

You know you are somebody in the fashion world if you receive an invitation the Costume Institute's annual gala. The theme this year was Superheroes: Fashion and Fantasy. While some fashions were blatantly superhero inspired (Wonder Woman wore gold cuffs), many of the guests went for pretty and fantastical.

I was very pleased to see some vintage amongst the sea of couture and high end designers. But I have to admit, some of the vintage pieces weren't as inspiring as some of the new designs, and that was disappointing. Of the many ways to infuse fantasy and a touch of costume to your outfit, you would think vintage would be the way to go. Wearing vintage in and of itself, to an even like this requires more than just a vintage dress - here's you chance to pull out the most outrageous and beautiful pieces known to fashion history.

I felt these fell a little short. But I'll let you decide.

Photo: Sherly Rabbani and Josephine Solimene

Images:
Michelle Trachtenberg, in a vintage skirt and top with Kwiat diamonds and a Cesare Paciotti clutch.

Kate Bosworth, in vintage Chanel Haute Couture

Caroline Trentini, in vintage Thierry Mugler and Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry.

Anna Sui, in vintage Zandra Rhodes and boots of her own design.

And some notable non-vintage looks:

Sarah Brown
Maggie Gyllenhaal
Dita Von Teese

Check out the rest of the images, all 164 of them!, at Style.com

Shirmpton Couture and Style It also have some images and commentary on the big event.

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Vintage Fashion Expo Santa Monica

Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the Vintage Fashion Expo will be stopping by the Santa Civic Auditorium this Mother's Day Weekend.

Bring Mom and have a great time checking out the biggest and best curated collection of vintage clothing, shoes and accessories. I'll be there taking video with my new Flip camera.

Details:

Saturday May 10 10:30 AM to 6 PM
Sunday, May 11 from 11 AM to 5 PM
Santa Monica Civic Auditorium
1855 Main Street at Pico Boulevard
Tickets cost $10, $20 for early buying admission on Saturday at 9 AM (a number of fashion professionals take advantage of the Expo's early buy)
All tickets are good for both days
For more information, please call (707) 793-0773.

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LA Modernism Show

The LA Modernism show is going on this weekend at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium. Decor and housewares from moderne to modern will make your eyes dance and your hands quiver as you attempt to touch anything. It's like an ultra cool museum with wonderful eccentric dealers and collectors running around.

Not much vintage clothing and accessories is sold at this event. The furniture is always displayed in potential living arrangements - it's like IKEA but with luxe, rare furniture scored around the globe.

SANTA MONICA CIVIC AUDITORIUM
1855 Main St.
Santa Monica, CA 90401-3209
Corner of Pico & Main St.

GALA OPENING NIGHT PARTY - 2008
May 2nd - 6pm - 9pm

REGULAR ADMISSION
May 3rd- 11am - 7pm
May 4th - 11am - 5pm
Admission $15 - includes show catalog

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Win a $5000 Diane Von Furstenberg Shopping Spree

Diane von Furstenberg. She is known worldwide for creating the uber flattering, highly collectible wrap dress.

But she is also very much a philanthropist. March 8th was International Women's Day and Diane is a huge supporter of IWD. She is launching a contest in the spirit of the holiday.

She is hosting a contest to win a $5,000 DVF Shopping Spree, trip to NYC, and a chance to have a seat at the 2009 DVF Fashion show*. It is really simple to enter, just write an essay!

It is all about the women who inspire you.
Go to dvf.com now through April 19th and tell Diane about the inspirational woman in your life.

Also, join her Facebook Fan page for insider news and information about DVF.

dress available at Posh Vintage

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San Franciso Vintage Fashion Expo

If you haven't heard, the SF Vintage Fashion Expo is coming to town this weekend. I love going to vintage shows because without a doubt, you will find famous people there (hint hint-vintage is the key to style), and there will always be eccentric dealers selling exquisite treasures from all over the world. These events are right up there with runway shows in fantasy and flash.

SF VINTAGE CLOTHING EXPO

Sat/15, 10:30 a.m.- 6 p.m., $10 (early buying 9-10:30 a.m., $20)

Sun/16, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., $10

Nob Hill Masonic Center, 1111 California, SF

(707) 793-0773

www.vintageexpo.com

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Costume Institute's blog.mode: addressing fashion

What do blogging and fashion have in common? From Fashion Week Daily's recap of the Metropolitan Museum of Arts Costume Institute's latest show entitled "blog.Mode: Addressing Fashion", not much.

I see a bank of computers with a chic young woman browsing something on the screen, but other than the superficial quotes about the internet, I'm not really sure the event had anything to do with the blogosphere, other than a quick mention.

Is this failure from the publication to report on the blogging angle of the evening, or was it a mediocre attempt by the event planners to jump on the new media bandwagon?

If anyone was there, I'd love to know what exactly was addressed while in blog mode at the Met?

P.S. I love Mr. Blahnik's intriguing comment about Galliano and McQueen. Juicy story indeed.

Editors Update
Thanks to Sylvia Rubin of the SF Chronicle for clarifying this for me.

The millions of fashion blog posts out there may be fun to read, but unlike with political blogging, Koda doesn't believe the fashion blogosphere in general has a real impact on the industry. "Fashion is integral to everyone's experience, but it's certainly not equal to the political blogging sector," he says. "That has real impact."

He does religiously read fashion blogs by New York Times fashion critic Cathy Horyn and Washington Post staff writer Robin Givhan, he says. "What I get out of them is something as a curator I never get - the commentary on their blogs from the layperson, the audience. And I think they can inform our judgments."

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Vintage Chanel Part Deux at Yoox.com

One of my favorite online stores is Yoox.com. Where else can you find unheard of in the States Italian designers mingling with luxury vintage? This is the best of both worlds.

Currently, Yoox.com is offering their second installment of Simply Coco Chanel, a collection of covetable vintage and previously owned Chanel dress, handbags, and jewelry from the Holly Brubach's personal stash.

I imagine Ms. Brubach's time at the New York Times afforded her first eye view of each season's collections. I mean look at it all. Maybe it's just that I am not from NY, but how does someone amass so much Coco? But like Holly, I feel very confident when I do buy Chanel, all two pieces. Looking at the prices her pieces are commanding on Yoox, the only other brand I know that retains such great value is Honda, and well that's just not chic enough.

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Designer Vintage Shopping Event

If you are in California, be sure to check out Marc Joseph's extensive collection of designer vintage this weekend!

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Worth Collection at Bullocks Wilshire Tea Room

Last Saturday, I was lucky enough to attend the runway show of the Worth Collection at the historical Bullocks Wilshire Tea Room in Los Angeles.

The Tea Room is perched on the 5th floor of the art deco Bullocks Wilshire, now home to Southwestern Law School.

The Worth Collection was shown alongside fashions from the 40s to the 70s to show the bridge between then and now as a way bring the collection to a younger audience. I just loved the idea of mixing the new with the old in honor of one of the most beloved shopping destinations in Los Angeles history.

Well heeled ladies in tea appropriate suits mingled with young, fresh faced attendees. The theme was carried throughout the event beautifully.

Leather jackets, pencil skirts and smart business casual suits for well healed ladies shared the runway through the tea room with vintage ensembles such as a 1950s brocade dress and jacket trimmed in mink, a 1940s champaign, bias cut negligee and robe, and a 1950s wedding gown.

The Worth Collection is a line of ready to wear clothing for the busy woman who wants to dress well, wear quality clothing, but doesn't have the time to shop for herself or would like to entrust someone with sophisticated taste to pick some things out for her. A Worth representative will invite customers to view the exclusive collections in their home, much like you would shop in a designer's salon in a major, high end department store, such as Bullocks.

From a business standpoint, the the business model is a smart idea. Women get unique merchandise that isn't sold in mass at a department store, they can purchase quality items with reasonable price tags because the the overhead is low, and the quality seemed to be luxurious-leathers, fine wools and modern silhouettes made the line attractive.

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Paper, Art, Diller

Fashion Week Daily - Parties - L.A. Confidential

What do you get when you cross NY style, LA art & fashion and Phyllis Diller? The February issue of Paper Magazine!

M.A.C and Levi's are sponsoring the one week long event in Los Angeles that will include a mix of local fashion, art, film, music, and photography plus top brands like Collete and Opening Ceremony.

My curiosity is totally piqued by the Phyllis Diller art show curated by Cameron Silver. I can't get rid of the mental image of some sort of installation made entirely of platinum wigs.

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Glam.com Bloggers Who Cocktail

Glam.com hosted a cocktail party at Tart at the Farmer's Daughter Hotel, across the street from the Farmer's Market, here in L.A. Most of the So Cal bloggers affiliated with Glam were in attendance. I was really delighted to meet Tara of When Tara Met Blog, Kristopher Dukes, fashion blogger princess, Allyson of This Next, MK, celeb gossiper at popbytes.com, Joshua at BumpShack.com (by the way, a total sweetheart, and my new partner in crime, Stevie of Fashiontribes.

Cocktails and appetizers were had by all. I was truly impressed by how friendly and knowledgeable everyone was, on topics beyond the blogosphere. I'll post some pics as soon as I get them.

Posted by Sandra at 8:09 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack |

Glam.com Bloggers Who Cocktail

Glam.com hosted a cocktail party at Tart at the Farmer's Daughter Hotel, across the street from the Farmer's Market, here in L.A. Most of the So Cal bloggers affiliated with Glam were in attendance. I was really delighted to meet Tara of When Tara Met Blog, Kristopher Dukes, fashion blogger princess, Allyson of This Next, MK, celeb gossiper at popbytes.com, Joshua at BumpShack.com (by the way, a total sweetheart, and my new partner in crime, Stevie of Fashiontribes.

Cocktails and appetizers were had by all. I was truly impressed by how friendly and knowledgeable everyone was, on topics beyond the blogosphere. I'll post some pics as soon as I get them.

Posted by Sandra at 8:09 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack |

Caroline's Closet Silent Auction

The fabulous Caroline behind the former Caroline's Closet, one of the first vintage clothing stores online, is having a silent auction to raise money for her new passion, Red Tent Rising, a therapeutic oasis for women.

Caroline's Closet was one of the first online vintage stores to be featured in magazines and on Style Network. She brought vintage to fashionistas. Now, she has redirected her life and business endeavours to help women heal themselves. Caroline herself suffered from mental illness.

The auction will take place October 21, 2006 in Venice, CA. And you can bet there will be som amazing designer items to be had by the highest bidder!

Posted by Sandra at 11:02 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack |

Caroline's Closet Silent Auction

The fabulous Caroline behind the former Caroline's Closet, one of the first vintage clothing stores online, is having a silent auction to raise money for her new passion, Red Tent Rising, a therapeutic oasis for women.

Caroline's Closet was one of the first online vintage stores to be featured in magazines and on Style Network. She brought vintage to fashionistas. Now, she has redirected her life and business endeavours to help women heal themselves. Caroline herself suffered from mental illness.

The auction will take place October 21, 2006 in Venice, CA. And you can bet there will be som amazing designer items to be had by the highest bidder!

Posted by Sandra at 11:02 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack |

Miami Vintage Show

If you are lucky enough to visit let alone live in Miami, November is going to be a great time for vintage shopping. Twenty one exclusive dealers, chosen for the quality and authenticity of their
merchandise, will be vending at the Woman's Club of Coconut Grove, 2985 South Bayshore Drive, Miami, FL, on Saturday November 4th and Sunday November 5th open from 11am-6pm.

I can bet you can expect to find great Pucci pieces and beautifully decorated handbags.

Posted by Sandra at 10:23 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack |

Miami Vintage Show

If you are lucky enough to visit let alone live in Miami, November is going to be a great time for vintage shopping. Twenty one exclusive dealers, chosen for the quality and authenticity of their
merchandise, will be vending at the Woman's Club of Coconut Grove, 2985 South Bayshore Drive, Miami, FL, on Saturday November 4th and Sunday November 5th open from 11am-6pm.

I can bet you can expect to find great Pucci pieces and beautifully decorated handbags.

Posted by Sandra at 10:23 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack |