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

Can you believe it? Five years ago today, I reluctantly started a blog for my vintage e-shop Debutante Clothing. My dear friend, and moblogging maven Jen Hanen, encouraged me to blog as a way to release some of my pent up creative energy and to market my vintage wares.

After about six months, I was hooked! I loved writing about my passion, I made friends all over the world. It was much more quiet in the blogosphere back then. Now, there are a ton of bloggers, vintage and otherwise, and I couldn't be happier, but I know I have to work it to keep with you youngins.I swear internet years are like dog years. Which would make Debutante Clothing 35 years old! Gulp. We're the same age!

I'm so honored and grateful that some of you have stuck by me for this long. And even if you are a new reader or customer, thank you so much for taking the time to read my ramblings and browsing my shop.

For this golden anniversary (since these are internet years, I don't think I need to follow the traditional anniversary guide) YOU, dear readers, get the presents!

I am giving away one of the following three items to one of you. Here's what you have to do:

• follow on Twitter & tweet this post


• "like" Debutante Clothing on Facebook


• tell me what you want to win in the comments
  

You have to enter by Tuesday Aug. 31 at 12am PST

Good luck! And thanks for your love, friendship and loyalty! Here's to 5 more years.

vintage Christian Dior flat clutch

vintage Diane Von Furstenberg tapestry carry on train case

vintage 24K Gucci green bracelet

vintage Yves Saint Laurent silk wrap scarf

Saturday night, Kelsi of Dedicated Follower of Fashion and I headed to Silverlake for a lovely dinner with Wendy Brandes. Despite my being a horrible date (I arrived late and had no valet money), Wendy greeted us with her gorgeous Cleopatra earrings in silver. Frankly, we can't be trusted with the gold and diamond ones. We might take off with a pair never to be heard from again. Actually, I wanted to take off with the silver because they are so amazing. Unless you have been living under a rock, you probably know that these are the earrings that Samantha wore in Sex And The City 2.

We all proudly tucked our hair behind our ears and showed off our earrings, drank margaritas and had a fantastic time. I even got in a little Mr. B time! Wendy is exactly the same in person as she is online - warm, friendly, funny and a total blast to talk to. It felt like we had always known each other, not just virtually. I was bummed she wasn't going to spend more days in LA, but it's just one more reason to head to NYC and meet up on her turf!

me and Mr. B

me and wendy b.

I'm wearing:
Ana Sui for Anthropolgie dress
Jessica Simpson patent wedges
vintage patent bag
Wendy Brandes Cleopatra earrings
Liz Larios quartz necklace

I dare you to guess the era of this vintage dress...

If you guessed 1960s or something similarly modern, we think alike. But in fact, this amazing gown is from the 1920s. I was shocked. It's so modern looking. This designer was very fashion forward.

You can find this dress, and many more at the next Kerry Taylor auction in London this Tuesday, May 25. I copied and pasted all the important info from their website for your convenience.

if you bid and win, please let me know! I'd love to ooh and ahh over your treasure.

Our Spring Fashion and Textile auction is wide ranging and enticing. For the men we have the 1950s-60s Savile Row wardrobe of the actor Richard Todd. One of his most memorable roles was as the handsome Wing Commander - Guy Gibson in the `Dam Busters' in 1955. Mainly made by Cyril A. Castle they include morning suits, evening wear, country tweeds and city suits (lots 1187-1189). Immediately following on from these is the eye-catching wardrobe of Charles Lucas. He came into his inheritance in the 1960s and enjoyed himself by racing Formula III cars and dressing at Granny Takes a Trip, Mr Fish and the Savile Row tailor Sullivan, Woolley & Co. Not for him the sobriety of Mr Todd's wardrobe. It is a riot of stripes, flowers, kipper ties and velvet. It is one of the grooviest male wardrobes ever to come to auction.

Female fashion ranges from Queen Victoria's underwear, superb romantic Edwardian summer gowns, antique bridal wear, beaded flapper gowns, bias cut 30s garden party dresses, 40s suits with angular shoulders, 50s prom gowns, Balenciaga couture evening jacket, 60s pieces by Biba, 70s by Ossie Clark and Thea Porter, YSL Rive Gauche, Jean Paul Gaultier and Chanel.

Venue: Our warehouse - Unit C21, (second floor) 40 Martell Road, West Dulwich, London, SE21 8EN

PLEASE NOTE THAT THERE WILL BE A SHORT BREAK AFTER 200 LOTS

On view: Sunday 23rd May 12 noon - 4.30pm; Monday 24th May 9.30am-5pm. THERE IS NO VIEWING ON THE MORNING OF THE SALE

Contacts:

Telephone: 00 44 (0)20 8676 4600

Fax: 00 44 (0)20 3137 0112

Email: info@kerrytaylorauctions.com

The nice folks at Rocket XL contacted me about taking a little shopping trip to one of my must shop stores - Marshalls! When I'm not picking for vintage, I'm picking at discount stores like Marshalls for modern clothes that compliment my vintage sensibilities. I was extremely happy to oblige them. It's a dirty job, I know.

I walked into my local Marshalls and made a beeline for the shoes. The Upland, CA store happens to have a huge selection of shoes in their Shoe Shop. And check out what mama bought...

The pink espadrilles look like little ballet slippers don't they? I especially love he organza bow and ribbon ties. They're so sweet. And they are made in Spain!

I bought the patent wedges for the complete opposite effect. These wedges have that edgy, vampy look I love to add to pair of jeans or an overly girly dress. They're my tough chick sandal for the summer. Plus I look super tall in them!

And both of these shoes go great with this adorably vintage inspired, fitted bodice and flouncy skirt dress...

I love the khaki and black color combination and the sheer organza overlay. It lets a little of the khaki peek through.

Best part? How little I spent.

Espadrilles $ 24.99
Jessica Simpson patent wedges $ 34.99
Max Studio Dress $ 34.99

God I love Marshalls!

If you liked what I bought at Marshalls, please vote for me. Me and nine other bloggers are showing off what we bought and competing for a grand prize of a $250 shopping spree!

Right after the Santa Monica Vintage Expo, I headed east toward downtown LA for Unique LA. I met up with Liz from EJC Designs for some independent, LA shopping fun. Of course I had to stop and see my favorite milliner Kelsi of Stylesmith and Dedicated Follower of Fashion. And that little lady was wearing the coveted Cynthia Vincent tan gladiator wedges!

Liz and I made a beeline upon arrival to the Cafe where we devoured yummy (but pricey) sandwiches and when we spotted the tantalizing cupacake queens in aprons at Burlesque Bakery, we knew we were having dessert! I mean can you really say no to a bourbon laced cupcake named Bettie Page?

After a little chat with Stylesmith an Mr. Smith, I had commit some friendly fashion backstabbing. Kelsi pointed out the cute tees with illustrated fashion graphics from the 1970s. The tee I loved the most happened to be the one Kelsi loved as well. Sorry doll! I had to have it. She forgave me.

Aren't these illustrations amazing? I'm not even a huge fan of the 70s, but something about fashion illustrations just appeals to my low brow art connoisseur. The designer, Yvonne Podlewski, illustrates vintage images of models and sewing pattern envelopes. I bought a burned out, draped, cropped tee in that black and orange design. So cute. The line is called tminx and you can find them at tminx.com.

I also bought a cute jersey trompe l'oeil dress from Effie's Heart in black and a pair of very wide legged, high waisted pants with little tabs on the bottom to peg the legs for bicycle riding. Now I just need a bike!

I ended up buying more at Unique LA than at the Vintage Expo that day, but it was all very vintage inspired. Shhh. Don't tell the vintage folks. I'll get kicked out of the union!

This past Saturday, Mary Kincaid of Zuburbia and I hit the Santa Monica Vintage Expo. I love shopping with Mary because we get to talk shop while oohing and ahing over beautiful vintage couture. Many of my online vintage fashionista friends were going to be at the show including Jessica of My Vintage Vogue and Julie of Fab Gabs Vintage. I missed Jessica and Melanie of Wrecked Stellar, but I did find Julie's booth and quickly bought an impeccable 1940s little bag.

The highlight of the day had to be the cranberry colored Madame Grés wool dress Mary and I spotted on our way out of the expo. We couldn't believe we were in such close proximity to a dress designed by the master of draping. The owner of the dress had a little note sitting under the dress asking if anyone knew anything about the couturier. We were eager to talk to her about Madame Alix Grés and how she came to own this dress.

The dress was definitely not typical of what we have come to equate with Grés. Although there was some ruching at the bust, long, flowy, draped gowns, hand pleating, and bias cuts are what Grés is known for. However she did start tailoring pieces in the 1950s and this dress was exquisitely tailored.

it just goes to show, you never know what you will come across at the Vintage Expo!

They're back! THE MUST ATTEND events for anyone who loves vintage clothing and accessories - the Manhattan Vintage Clothing Show and Santa Monica Vintage Expo are coming the first weekend in February.

Join vintage aficianados, designers, stylists, and collectors in NY or LA and do some serious vintage shopping damage. Recession be damned.

Manhattan Vintage Clothing Show
Friday, April 23, 1-8pm
Saturday, April 24, 11am-6pm
Admission is $20

The Metropolitan Pavilion is located at 125 W. 18th Street between 6th and 7th Avenues in Manhattan. For more information call 518-434-4312 or visit www.manhattanvintage.com.

Santa Monica Vintage Fashion Expo
Saturday, April 24 Early Buy 9am-10:30am, Regular Admission 10:30am-6pm

Sunday, April 25 11am-5pm

Santa Monica Civic Auditorium

Contact if you have questions!

www.vintageexpo.com

Students free on Sunday with student ID.

Most people who love vintage clothing also love indie designers. In the quest for unique style and quality craftsmanship, vintage and indie go hand in hand. Modern Vintage, a vintage and indie designer shopping event, is happening in Chicago this weekend and it's the answer to our unique style prayers.

At the VINTAGE DEALERS SHOW, you'll find the best Vintage dealers carrying clothing, estate & costume jewelry, handbags, shoes, hats, belts, scarves, vanities, textiles, vintage fashion magazines, patterns, notions and much more. There will be plenty of Mid-Century, Art Deco, Art Nouveau, and Victorian items at the show plus beautifully preserved '60s & '70s era designer treasures. View & purchase items from classic designers such as Halston, Chanel, Hermes, Vivienne Westwood, Pucci, Dior and many others.

At the INDIE DESIGNER SHOW you'll find contemporary haute creators of wearable adornments including clothing, jewelry & gemstones, purses & bags, shoes, hats, belts, scarves, and tons of other fashion accessories. There will also be organic & sustainable designed products as well as new-fangled, vintage inspired, and culturally-fused items. Each atelier will have a distinct vibe you'll want to strut. Enjoy on-the-spot styling, informal modeling, cocktails, on-site seamstress and more!

This amazing event is only $10!

Location is Plumbers Hall. Market hours are SATURDAY 10-7PM, SUNDAY 10-5PM

For more information visit www.modernvintagechicago.com. If any Chicago readers go, I'd love to hear about!

Every once in a while, vintage dealers will troll the thrift stores for that little gem we dream of finding and rescuing from landfills. There are so many garments with beautiful details that end up dumped, never to live again. Discarded to Divine, a wonderful event, marries philanthropy, fashion design, and green living.

Now in its fifth year, Discarded to Divine invites designers to create original creations from discarded apparel.

The designs will be auctioned off at an April 29 gala to benefit the St. Vincent de Paul Society. The event raises awareness and funds to help St. Vincent de Paul assist the poor, as well as victims of domestic violence through St. Vincent de Paul's domestic violence shelters and services.

Among the designers featured in the event at "Project Runway" designers Jay Nicolas Sario and Sweet P. Vaughn, Colleen Quen and Cari Borja.

You can preview on April 9 at the de Young museum.

Source: ApparelNews.net

I love looking at old pictures of glamorous, everyday people. It's all about the pose, the bag, the scarf, or the hat. Little elements that made seemingly ordinary people look glamorous or dapper. Back when people use to dress.

The Sartorialist is running a vintage photo contest. You can submit a picture of a stylish person - family, friend, or just a random old picture - and win a Celine inspiration book.

Go to The Sartorialist's blog for rules and details about the contest. 

photo via The Sartorialist

Sue Wong, Doris Raymond, Sally Lohan

In my world, vintage fashion and fashion history don't really live in a vacuum. As much as I love vintage clothing and accessories, I don't consider myself a scholar like my friend Heather Vaughan. My real passion lies in that intersection between vintage and its influence on modern clothing.

This topic is precisely what fashion designer Sue Wong, Katherine Brandes, Creative Director of BB Dakota, fashion author and Apparel News journalist, Allison Nieder, vintage expert Doris Raymond, and WGSN's West Coast Content Director Sally Lohan discussed at the 110 Years of Fashion History: How Vintage Inspires 21st Century Trends discussion panel which took place at the California Market Center. My heart skipped a beat when i received the invitation!

What is vintage?

Each panelist answered the age old question "What is vintage?" Doris had the most precise definition. She felt that anything older than the late 1980s is vintage in her book. You can watch what she says about the 1990s coming into the vintage marketplace in the video interview I did with her. Sally Lohan added that her definition of vintage also includes quality and craftsmanship. Sue Wong feels that vintage has to have a "lot of soul".

When asked about some of their favorite eras Sue Wong shared her fascination with the elements of the 1920s and '30s. Katherine preferred the cinched waists of the 1940s and '50s. Doris Raymond prefers the 1930s like Wong, but was able to narrow it down to 1929-1932. She loves the bias cuts of Vionnet. Sally loves Paul Poiret and Fortuny.

Doris Raymond and me in vintage

Vintage As Inspiration

The panelists agreed that fashion pre-1960s was the easiest to interpret in contemporary fashion. Sue Wong prefers to look at individual details and silhouettes when looking for inspiration for her designs.

Leave it to me to ask the question that made Sue Wong and Doris Raymond engage in an intelligent debate. I wasn't fishing for a debate, but was genuinely curious what designers vs. vintage professionals thought on the subject - when does inspiration cease being

inspiration and becomes a copy?

The example I had in mind was that beaded antique bag I knew had been sold by a vintage dealer I know to Anna Sui and ended up on the runway in the exact same colors and exact same pattern.

The discussion really surprised me. Sally Lohan quickly jumped on the question and her reaction was complete disapproval. Sue Wong agreed. Doris actually had a different opinion. She felt that giving a a vintage garment life again, even if it is in its original design is ok. Otherwise it would never have been appreciated again. The conversation got pretty lively as far as panels go.

Vintage Trends

Some of the vintage influenced trends identified for upcoming seasons are romantic floral prints, boudoir and lingerie, classic seasonless items. Sue Wong predicts vintage looks from the teens to 1920s for a more avant garde look. Doris believes people will shop for investments versus trendy items.

Consumers

There seems to be two types of consumers when it comes to true vintage. The general public and designers. The general public is buying contemporary vintage inspired as well as vintage. Tips were offered on how to look for quality vintage - turn the garment inside out, check seams, feel the fabric. Sue Wong warned about fraudulent sellers trying to tap into the vintage market by selling new items, taking the tags out and claiming they are vintage dresses. She found one of her own beaded, flapper inspired dresses on Ebay being sold as a 1920s dress!

Cynthia Dipierro, WGSN, Sally Lohan, Doris Raymond, Liz Moore, Los Angeles Confidential magazine

The panel discussion was followed by a lovely reception in a very Schiaparelli pink carpeted room. it was great to be in a room full of people who embrace vintage and contemporary fashion with both arms. And now with the collaboration between WGSN and Doris Raymond to create a specialized vintage directory, it seems what's old is new again and it will continue to make it's way to the runway.

I know, I know, a lot of people think LA Fashion Week is not nearly as important as NYFW, but I have to say that this is the first season that I have really had a great time and was able to attend some amazing events. it makes me hopeful for fashion week in the City of Angels. Downtown LA is experiencing an renaissance, and with it, LA fashion is gaining more attention and credibility. The best part is that LA area bloggers are part of this fashion renaissance.

Kelsi Smith of Dedicated Follower of Fashion and Stylesmith organized a fun blogger meet up and party at the Broadway Bar downtown. Nearly fifty fashion bloggers, most from LA, but some visiting from Texas, NYC, you name it, attended the soiree. And I have to say that the swag bag has to be one of the best I've ever seen. Angel eyewear, Spare Pear ballet slippers, some beauty products XCVI tees in a really nice zippered XCVI bag. Getting 50 X-large bags into my hatchback coupe was hysterical.

Everyone at the party was so nice. I was so thrilled to meet some bloggers that I have been following such as Racked LA, LaurieB, Red Sole Diary, Mondette, and Macala of Fashionably Marketing. I also got to meet some new people such as LA Fuzz.

The Broadway Bar was a really beautiful bar complete with plush decor. It had that classic, downtown theater district feel. The cocktails had just the right amount of stiffness, probably because we brought all the pretty girls!

All in all, it was a fabulous event. Rumors are stirring about a mid season get-together and another party next season. I'm crossing my fingers!

What I Wore:
1960s black and white paillette shell
skinny black trousers
Steve Madden patent leather shooties
black Bakelite and Lucite bangles
1960s giant clear Lucite ring

Kerry Taylor Auctions is having a bumper sale with over 300 lots, which opens with a collection of celebrity-owned dresses being auctioned by Topshop, in aid of the charities Help the Aged and Age Concern. The collection includes a wonderful Lanvin S/S 2003 cocktail dress from Kate Moss and a beautiful siren gown by Zac Posen, worn by Erin O'Connor, as well as others from Scarlett Johannson and Dita von Teese, and dresses by exciting young designers like Christopher Kane and Danielle Scutt. The rest of the sale covers every decade from the 18th century to the 1990s, and includes dozens of beaded flapper dresses, a stylish 1960s Balenciaga coat, and Thierry Mugler suits from 1980s. The fashion is accompanied by wonderful accessories, including twenties shoes, Hermes handbags, embroidered samplers, boxes of trimmings and much more.

Venue: Kerry Taylor warehouse - Unit C25, (second floor) 40 Martell Road, West Dulwich, London, SE21 8EN

On view: Sunday 14th March 12 noon - 4.30pm; Monday 15th March 9.30am-5pm. THERE IS NO VIEWING ON THE MORNING OF THE SALE

Sale 5919 - Interiors - 8 December 2009
Lot 255 A burgundy crocodile bag Gucci, circa 1960s
Estimate: £800-1,200 Sold: £1,375

Last month, Gucci and Christie's announced a unique new service - "Gucci Collector: Presented by Christie's." This is the first Gucci-certified online destination for appraising vintage Gucci products. It is such a needed service and I am so thrilled and amazed that Gucci is contributing to the evaluation of vintage Gucci products.

I was lucky enough to secure an interview with Patricia Frost, the Director of Textiles and Fashion at Christie's. I was eager to ask her about the new service. She was so generous with her time. Here's what Ms. Frost had to say about Gucci and Christie's joint effort...

How did the collaboration between Gucci and Christie's come about?

Christie's has been holding sales in fashion, textiles, costume and vintage accessories since 1975. Gucci was aware of the specialists sales held at Christie's, and of our expertise in this field, and approached us with the idea to collaborate in some way in order to provide our clients with a unique service. Gucci Collector evolved from these discussions.

Is Christie's planning a vintage Gucci collection auction?

A Gucci auction is a distinct possibility. We have had a wonderful response so far through the new GUCCI COLLECTOR service, but we are currently valuing items and so nothing is certain at this early stage.

This is such a generous service. Does Christie's normally appraise vintage designer pieces in this manner?

Absolutely. Our website (www.christies.com) has an appraisal section where anyone can send us images and descriptions of their pieces, not just for fashion and textiles, but any one of the auction categories we offer. At Christie's South Kensington we also have a valuation desk which is open 7 days a week.

Gucci is opening a museum in Florence. Will some items be sought for the museum?

Gucci's archivist is certainly on the look out for interesting, historic pieces that they might wish to acquire for their archives. Whether they will buy items for the museum depends on what is submitted through the Gucci Collector site.

How will the pieces be chosen for auction versus archives? Is Gucci looking for a holy grail for their vintage archives?

Gucci and Christie's will look at each enquiry together and offer the client alternatives, depending upon their item. The oldest and rarest of items are sure to be of more interest than newer models, but you never know what people may submit.

What are Christie's and Gucci hoping will be uploaded by people seeking appraisals?

Hopefully we will discover interesting, unusual and exciting pieces that have been hiding in people's attics for generations!

Will Gucci be buying these directly from people or will everything go to auction?

If there is a piece that Gucci would like for their archives, they will express their interest.

So far, what types of vintage Gucci pieces have been uploaded?

At the moment it is too early to tell as we are still downloading the items which have been submitted - in the first 10 days of offering the Gucci Collector service, we received over 75 appraisal requests. However, I have seen some good 1970s bamboo handled bags among them.

Will Christie's and/or Gucci provide documentation to the owner of an item's worth or history?

All our evaluations will be subject to inspection of the actual piece in due course. No evaluation based on photographs alone can be definitive and may be revised upon seeing the item.

I often get questions about the authenticity of designer handbags. What will be done about fraudulent or counterfeit items that are presented to you?

Questions of authenticity can only be examined in person with the bag in front of you.

I have never seen a luxury brand reach out to its consumers like this. Do you anticipate similar collaborations or services with luxury brands?

We at Christie's are always looking for new and improved ways of meeting our clients needs, and strive to provide a unique and good quality service for all levels of our business. Should the right opportunity arise, further collaborations would not be out of the question.

Luxury brands are notoriously behind when it comes to online marketing and social media. Does Gucci plan on engaging more with its consumers and collectors online?

I can't answer for Gucci - but this initiative does seem to suggest that they are a very forward looking company.

All images courtesy of Christie's Images Ltd. 2010

Sale 5919 - Interiors - 8 December 2009 Lot 249 A 'Gladstone' handbag Gucci, 1930s Estimate: £500-800 Sold: £375

Sale 5001 - Resurrection: Avant-Garde Fashion - 30 October 2008 Lot 44 A Tunic dress Gucci (F.1906) Estimate: £400-600 Sold: £1,062.50

Sale 5001 - Resurrection: Avant-Garde Fashion - 30 October 2008
Lot 220 Two 'Snaffle' bracelets
Gucci (F.1906)
Estimate: £400-600 Sold: £1,375

Resurrection, the bicoastal boutique and international source for fine vintage, and 1stdibs.com, whom I mentioned before on the blog, have teamed up to offer a truly unique collection of avant-garde designer Maison Martin Margiela.

"Resurrection's 20 Years of Martin Margiela: The Marcia Berger Collection" is a collection of one of a kind collectible, vintage and artisanal Margiela pieces from 1989 to 2008, owned by the late Marcia Berger. Apparently Ms. Berger was quite the collector. She was the proud owner of one off pieces and several key pieces from each collection. The garments were never even worn. Ms. Berger felt Margiela pieces were works of art and preserved them as such.

I spoke with Resurrection co-owner Mark Haddaway about this unique collection. He explained that Marcia Berger did not work in fashion, she just loved unique, avant-garde fashion including Japanese designers such as Yohji Yamamoto, but loved collecting Margiela most of all. Of the astonishing 1500 Margiela pieces Resurrection is selling in their NY and LA boutiques, 300 will be available on 1stdibs.com.

Being a vintage seller, I know how hard it must be to let go of such collectible pieces. I asked Mark if he was tempted to keep any of them. He slowly replied, "Each piece will be sold." It's got to be the hardest part of this business.

Margiela reminds me so much of Elsa Schiaparelli, especially when you look at this leather glove covered  top. Schiaparelli had a shoe hat, Maison Martin Margiela created split toe, hoof like booties. The surreal influence is uncanny. Ms. Berger was correct to collect and treasure such intriguing works of art.

I for one am dying to see the pieces at the LA store. Maybe I can nab a few images while I'm there for all of you!

1997 vest

1990 jacket

2001 glove top

-photos courtesy of Resurrection Vintage Clothing

Any good stylist worth her salt will tell you that accessories can make an ordinary rag look glamorous and fashion forward. Make those vintage accessories and now you've got enviable style.

Jeanne Suica, the Parisian vintage couture maven, has created this one of a kind pop-up shop especially for Debutante Clothing readers and customers. If you find something you like, grab it quick, because the sale ends Friday, February 5, 11pm PST.

You can view more of Jeanne Suica's collection at JeanneSuicaShop.com and check out her VIP selection at Designer-Vintage.com.

Red enamel and gold quilted necklace signed Graft on inner plaque
$42.00

Pastel enamel bangle bracelet
$38.00

Ungaro signed pastel clip earrings
$135.00

Christian LaCroix silver metal clip with violet rhinestone signed heart earrings
$58.00

Nina Ricci signed amber colored heart broach
$68.00

Red "bakelite look" vintage clip earrings
$25.00

Items are a mix of new, gently worn or vintage condition.All items are guaranteed authentic.

All questions should be referred directly to Jeanne at jsuica@hotmail.com.

If you wish to purchase an item, payment should be made immediately via paypal only to jsuica@hotmail.com.

In rare cases a payment may be canceled at any time due to insufficient stock, if an item becomes damaged or is not in the same condition as listed the order may be cancelled, inability for paypal to authorize a payment, suspicion of fraudulent intent or any other reason seen fit.

Once a payment is made you'll receive a confirmation mail to confirm that your item is available. This confirmation will include the shipping date. Items will be shipped with 48 hours of payment excluding weekends. All duties and customs charges will be your responsibility. The full cost will be noted on the customs form this is necessary for insurance purposes.

All items include postage via signature required insured airmail and will be shipped from Paris France. FREE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE!! All items are final sale.

Theyre back! THE MUST ATTEND events for anyone who loves vintage clothing and accessories - the Manhattan Vintage Clothing Show and Santa Monica Vintage Expo are coming the first weekend in February.

Join vintage aficianados, designers, stylists, and collectors in NY or LA and do some serious vintage shopping damage. Recession be damned.

Manhattan Vintage Clothing Show
Friday, February 5, 1-8pm
Saturday, February 6, 11am-6pm
Admission is $20

The Metropolitan Pavilion is located at 125 W. 18th Street between 6th and 7th Avenues in Manhattan. For more information call 518-434-4312 or visit www.manhattanvintage.com.

Santa Monica Vintage Fashion Expo
Saturday, February 6 Early Buy 9am-10:30am, Regular Admission 10:30am-6pm

Sunday, February 7 11am-5pm

Santa Monica Civic Auditorium

Contact if you have questions!

www.vintageexpo.com

Special guest for both days will be Leigh Leshner, author and vintage jewelry expert, will provide appraisals of vintage jewelry from 12:00pm-2:00pm each day.

Also, The Vintage Fashion Expo will be presenting vintage dances at 2:00pm each day - led by James Zimmer and Cynthia Harper of the UCLA vintage dance group.

Students free on Sunday with student ID.

These aren't all vintage, but Galliano and Posen are very influenced by vintage. Gentlemen, if you are reading, I am willing to shop for vintage for you WHENEVER you like! Aren't a member of these fabulous sample sale sites? Let me invite you! Click on the link and tell them I sent you.

Galliano at Rue La La
Monday, January 4 beginning at 11am EST

Zac Posen at Gilt Groupe
Tuesday, January 5 beginning at 12pm EST

Chanel Vintage at Billion Dollar Babes
Wednesday, January 6 beginning at 11am EST

Penelope loves the vintage doesn't she? And I love her for it. Ms. Cruz wore a stunning red vintage Chanel gown to the premiere of Nine. Although the film has received mixed reviews from my online friends (the only opinions I trust), I'm willing to pay $10 to check out the costumes.

Doesn't she look stunning? I wish her lipstick color for L'Oreal, Penelope's Red, had been as beautiful a red as this. It was not a good red. Take some color guidance from Chanel Penelope!

photo: Getty Images
source Elle.com

My latest article for Today's Vintage magazine is online now. It's all about the amazing Audrey Hepburn collection that went to auction at Kerry Taylor Auctions in London. I could not believe the volume of historically important dresses and haute couture gowns that were up for grabs.

Here's a snippet...

Going, going, chic! Audrey Hepburn Collection Goes to Auction

Whether you love her as Holly Golightly or a bored princess looking for adventure in Rome, Audrey Hepburn was a major style icon of the 20th century. Her beauty, her grace, but most of all her style, caused the world to fall in love with her. And now the public can own a piece of fashion history and iconic chic when Kerry Taylor Auctions presents a collection of Audrey Hepburn couture and accessories on Dec. 8, 2009 in London.

The Collection

Around thirty six items of clothing will be offered, dating from 1953 to the late 1960s as well as hats, belts and a fascinating group of letters in which she describes an early film break, her proposed wedding to James Hanson, and the time she spent filming Roman Holiday.

The collection includes stunning evening-wear including a plethora of chic little black dresses by Valentino, Elizabeth Arden and of course her favorite designer of all - Hubert de Givenchy.

Simplicity and elegance was her trademark and it is evident in the Kerry Taylor Auctions collection. Hepburn became the personification of chic elegance in the 1950s and 60s. Givenchy said of her "All the responsibility for the way Audrey looked is hers. She made the selections." Hepburn and Givenchy had a mutual admiration of one another. For Funny Face in 1957 and many of her other major films, Audrey had it written into her film contracts that Givenchy would make all the clothes she wore and also astutely had it agreed that she retain the majority of her Parisian wardrobe.

Check out the rest at TodaysVintage.com

The final numbers are in and it appears that the collection has earned a whopping £542,040! Given that most of this will go to charity, I'm sure all parties were pleased.

One particular dress, the black chantilly lace gown worn by Audrey Hepburn in the film "How to Steal a Million" in 1965, is rumored to have been purchased by Victoria Beckham. I hope she cherishes it and doesn't deconstruct it to be used as inspiration for another line!

If you want the real scoop, please check out my dear friend and colleague's, Jeanne Suica, blog. Not only was she there, she helped with the catalogueing and research of the collection. AND she got to meet Hubert de Givenchy himself. I hope she shares the experience here. Hint, hint Jeanne!

Two Saturdays ago, I experienced  a day full of haute couture and style. The Costume Society of America, Western Region hosted a curator led tour and premiere documentary screening of High Style: Betsy Bloomingdale and the Haute Couture at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising. Curators Kevin Jones and Christina Johnson led us through this magical, privileged world of haute couture and high fashion. We took a curated walk through Mrs. Betsy Bloomingdale's wardrobe, overflowing with Givenchy, Balmain, Galanos, Adolfo, and of course, Dior. To be that close to real live haute couture worn by one of the last remaining wearers of haute couture was an amazing experience.

Mrs. Bloomingdale was the wife of businessman, Alfred Bloomingdale, a descendant of the famous Bloomingdales that found the iconic department store. Mr. Bloomingdale made is fortune in the credit card business as co-founder of the first independent credit card, Diner's Club. He wanted to bring his business to France. This was the beginning of the beautiful beginning of Betsy's relationship with some of the most important couture houses of the 20th century.

In the documentary, which unfortunately will not be released to mass media, Mrs. Bloomingdale reminisces fondly about the glory days of shopping in Paris at the couture houses of Balmain and Dior. "I had no idea I was collecting anything so important," says Mrs. Bloomingdale. She recalls how shopping for haute couture was such a quiet experience. Society ladies met for lunch in Paris and attended the shows at 3pm. There wasn't much sound, just stunning gowns parading through the show room. No fanfare, no theatrics, just the ladies and the gowns.

Betsy's world of couture spanned about 30 years. Her first purchase was at the house of Balmain in 1961 and she faithfully attended couture shows until 1996.

Walking through the FIDM museum was visually overwhelming. Three galleries were punctuated with gowns and ensembles that looked like sculpture.

Mount maker Carolyn Jamerson gave us a detailed tutorial on how to create invisible garment forms. I have to be honest and admit that this wasn't nearly as important to me as some of the other CSA members considering that many of them are involved in curating and museum studies. I just love clothes. They could hang on a hanger for all I care. Until I saw the garments displayed in the galleries. I was mesmerized by the artistic display of clothing. They were almost an optical illusion - a parade of floating silk, lace and satin. It was a stunning display.

Kevin Jones, who was as entertaining as he was educational, explained that FIDM now has custody of around 200 croquis from Christian Dior. Croquis were the hand colored reproductions of the designer's original sketches with a swatch of fabric attached. Christina Johnson, co-curator, told a funny story of how these wonderful croquis were decorating office walls. Aye!

If you can't make it to the gritty streets of Downtown LA to see the exhibit, you can purchase the catalog at the FIDM Museum gift shop. The exhibit ends December 13. Check FIDM's website for more details.

I got an email from the vintage lovely folks at Modcloth.com. If you love vintage, as I'm sure you do if you read my little blog, then you probably love the vintage and vintage inspired selection at Modcloth.com. Love it enough to try your hand at buying for the shop? Here's your chance.

ModCloth wants you to Be the Buyer. They are asking customers to help the ModCloth buying team select designs to be produced and sold on ModCloth! Be the Buyer allows customers to be virtual members of ModCloth's fashion buying team, and invites you to vote on potential clothing designs.

We'll showcase these designs on the site, and using a 'Pick It' button, shoppers can vote for their favorites. If a style gets enough votes, the design will be produced and sold by ModCloth, and participants will be notified via email.

This means that within a few weeks of voting, participants might be wearing a design they chose!

I'm hoping something flapperish and frivolous shows up. I'm feeling sassy. Check out their blog for more details.

And if that weren't enough, they are also having a killer sale. 50-80% off selected merchandise. What are you waiting for?!

MANHATTAN VINTAGE CLOTHING AND ANTIQUE TEXTILE SHOW AND SALE
When: Friday, October 9th - 1:00 PM TO 8:00 PM
Saturday, October 10th - 11:00 AM TO 6:00 PM
Where: Metropolitan Pavilion, 125 West 18th Street (Between 6th & 7th Aves)
Admission $ 20.00

Photo: via The Invisible Agen

It's that time again! Kerry Taylor auctions is having a sale on September 15. This auction is a collection of clothing from the 1960s to the 1990s belonging to the late British fashion journalist, model and costume designer Marit Allen. If you are a swinging 60s fan, or just can't get enough of Biba, John Bates, Mary Quant, or Zandra Rhodes, then this auction is a must attend.

If you've ever dreamed of working in fashion, either in magazines, costuming or styling, or for some of you ambitious girls, all of the above, than Marit is someone to look up to. Check out her bio from KerryTaylorAuctions.com:

Marit Allen was an extraordinary person. In her lifetime she managed to have two extremely successful but very different careers but both linked by her love of dress - firstly as a fashion journalist and Vogue editor in the groovy London of the 'Swinging Sixties' and latterly as a world renowned film costume designer. Those who knew her and worked with her also commented on her generosity of spirit and kindness - rarely found traits in the competitive worlds of fashion and film.
Marit was born in Cheshire in 1941 of an English father and Norwegian mother. She always had a passion for fashion magazines and after school and a brief period studying in France she moved to London determined to pursue her ambitions as a fashion journalist. She lobbied Queen magazine until she gained an interview with the owner Jocelyn Stevens. Marit's unique personal style always turned heads with her impish, gamine figure, large owl-like specs (at a time when most people would rather squint myopically than ruin their look by wearing them) and short skirts. She looked the part - she got the part. He awarded her the post of fashion assistant under Beatrix Miller for the meagre sum of £5 a week (apparently one was expected to have a personal income to supplement this). Reflecting the new interest and enthusiasm for youth that were evident everywhere she created the "About Twenty" pages with Caterine Milinaire. This was unlike anything previously seen in Queen. Marit was so good that in 1963 when Beatrix moved to Vogue she took Marit with her.

Click here to read more!

Here are some of my favorite looks:

Who: Kerry Taylor Auctions
What: Marit Allen Collection
When: 15 Sept. , Preview Sunday 13th September 12 noon - 4.30pm; Monday 14th September 9.30am-5pm
Where: Kerry Taylor warehouse - Unit C25, (second floor) 40 Martell Road, West Dulwich, London, SE21 8EN
Contact: Telephone: 00 44 (0) 208 676 4600
Fax: 00 44 (0) 203 137 0112
Email: info@kerrytaylorauctions.com

People are always exclaiming, 'Follow your passion". But what if you were homeless? Would you you have the courage or drive to follow your dreams. A very talented fashion designer, Nary Manivong, did not let his seemingly hopeless situation stop him from designing beautiful clothing. Influenced and self taught by vintage fashion,

DRESSED is the documentary that follows designer, Nary Manivong, who defied the odds of a broken childhood and homelessness, to pursue his dream of showing his collection at New York's Fashion Week!

Because Nary got his inspiration to design from vintage shopping, SHOW US your FAVE vintage piece and WIN TWO Tickets to Nary's Fashion Show at 5pm September 10 and the special sneak peak screening of DRESSED at 9pm in New York City during Fashion Week!

This is what you do...
1. Join the Facebook event, "SHOW US YOUR VINTAGE!"
2. Post a photo of yourself on our WALL wearing your FAVE vintage piece updated for
the Fall 2009 season.
3. In the caption, tell us why you love your updated vintage piece and
why you are a fan of DRESSED!

Entries must be received between August 1, 2009 at 12:01am and August 31, 2009 at 11:59pm.
Fashion Looks will be judged by the DRESSED Team. You may enter one time only, decisions are at the discretion of the judges, final and the winner will be notified by email. Winners must provide
their own transportation to events, and you must be a Fan of DRESSED to enter and be 18 to win.

More info about the movie: www.Dressed-themovie.com

Paris continues to heat up with steamy temperatures well into the low 90s. I thought that since everyone might be on vacation already that I might get lucky and pick up a bargain last week at the Haute Couture and Schiaparelli auction that was held in Paris.

Much to my surprise everyone who was anyone was there, and why wouldn't they be? Silly me! Who needs to be somewhere in the country side or the South of France when there was auction like this. Over 300 lots of haute couture and an amazing amount of rare dresses by Elsa Schiaparelli were on the block.

As I entered the room I knew that regardless of the hammer prices I would witness a moment of fashion history and reminded myself that true collectors and dealers never sleep, never stop searching and certainly never take vacations or if they do, have been savvy enough to set up pre arranged phone bidding from the comfort of their beach chairs.

As I waited impatiently in front of the door, I turned and saw Marisa Berenson the famous actress and model from the 1980s. Elsa Schiaparelli was her grandmother so I wasn't too surprised that she was also there to witness a moment in fashion history.

As I entered the room and searched for my seat I realized that I was sitting directly behind her (gasp! if you read my last post about auctions you'll understand why I gasp so much) Did they make a mistake with the seating, I thought? How have I ended up in the VIP section, I thought to myself and calmly reminded myself to take deep breaths.

Seated in front of Ms. Berenson who by the way is more beautiful in person than any photo I've ever seen, was another ex-model and successful fashion designer Inès de la Fressange. Hmmm... even they aren't on vacation - this would be an exciting auction!

As the lots flew by in a flurry of bidding surrounded by the Shocking bright pink walls I anxiously listened as the bids continued to mount faster than the temperatures outside. I felt goose bumps on my arms as I watched determined bidders spending more euros than some people make in a year on rare creations by Paquin, Lanvin and Chanel.

The true highlight was lot 200. A beige Schiaparelli jacket from 1937 with a Jean Couteau designed embroidered by Lesage. This magnificent design showed a woman with gold metallic tresses covering one arm of the jacket with her hand encircling the waist of the jacket. An estimate of 12,000-15,000 was noted and I nearly fell off my seat as I watched the hammer go down as the hammer price hit 140,000 euros.

I was so thrilled to have had the chance to witness such a moment and at the same time a bit sad that I might never see this jacket come up at auction again. A bit shocking but that's just part of the thrill of a steamy summer in Paris.

Happy Summer everyone!

Jeanne

Jeanne Suica collaborates with a major auction house in searching for and evaluating pieces for upcoming auctions. Clients worldwide who may be interested in selling or consigning their items can email her images and questions regarding their items via her site www.jeannesuica.com

I used to love this show when I was younger and I believe that history does repeat itself. I'm working in the world of auctions now and am surrounded by pieces with a bit or a lot of history which can go for peanuts or a small fortune. Truly some of them are worthy of Ripley's Believe it or Not! Sometimes when I'm sitting in an auction I gasp out loud as I hear the bids increase and increase and increase and usually end up embarrassing myself.

Last week's auction at Kerry Taylor was a great example of believe it or not hammer prices with a number of the pieces well exceeding even her estimations.

For example:

Lot 57 A rare pair of grapefruit shaped bust improvers from the 1890s estimation of £400-£600 with a hammer price of £2400! I'm convinced that these were the original inspiration for the Wonderbra, my how times have changed!

Lot 94 An absolutely breathtaking rare Fortuny stenciled gown sold for £13,000 way over estimate. I can only dream of the wonderful and excitng adventures this dress once had!

Lot 130 A breathtaking Dior evening gown from 1952 with an estimate of £6000-£8000 hit a hammer price of £11,000. Oh the lucky person who won that! Gasp!

And many many more...I've only highlighted some of the older more historic pieces but even items as late as the year 2000 can be profitable. I hope that this update lights a fire under you or sparks a lightbulb so as you are rummaging through items at your local flea market or yard sale keep your eyes peeled for some vintage treasures! They may end up as seed money for your next vacation!

Stay tuned for our vintage antiques roadshow this fall via Debutante Clothing where you'll have the chance to show me and Sandra your latest finds!

Happy Hunting!

Jeanne

Jeanne Suica collaborates with a major auction house in searching for and evaluating pieces for upcoming auctions. Clients worldwide who may be interested in selling or consigning their items can email her images and questions regarding their items via her site www.jeannesuica.com

via NYmag.com/The Cut
In order to make room for new merch at its Nolita outpost, Zachary's Smile is clearing out all spring items with a blowout sale, starting today. The space, located in the basement of 317 Lafayette Street, has been used as a sale depot for the West Village store since January, but will become a permanent second location soon. Over the next week, all vintage pieces will be priced at $5 per item, but they are also offering shopping by the bagful. For $25, you can shove as many items as possible into a shopping bag: clothing, shoes, and accessories -- anything that will fit. The store's in-house label, ZS, will also be marked down, with cute, solid-color dresses for $15, fitted plaid jackets for $10, and an assortment of skirts and tops for $5 each. The space will be open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. until all the sale goods run out.

Entrance at 303 Mulberry St., nr. Houston St.; 212-965-8245.

"Rain drops on roses and whiskers on kittens..." I have the Sound of Music floating through my head. I guess that I may be working too much or just have auction fever!

I just got back from London and was privleged enough to have a sneak preview of some of the fabulous items that will be offered by Kerry Taylor Auction in London on this Wednesday May 17. I've been working with Kerry for years now and in my opinion, for whatever it may be worth this is the most exciting offering that I've seen so far!

"These are a few of my favorite things...."

Lot 17 An Alexander McQueen collar circa 1994-96
Lot 23 A John Galliano Dali-esque hat in the form of red pierced lips
Lot 130 A Dior Haute Couture Brown Tulle Evening Gown
Lot 266 A Gaultier Russian Collection dress
an don't even get me started on the YSL offerings including scare Russian collection items back in 1992 Kerry sold an ensemble for £42,000 hammer price!

And last but not least the avant-garde clothing from the 1980s (my personal favorite era) including Leigh Bowery and various New Romantics items. This exciting part is the largest group of New Romantic/Avant Garde clothing of its type ever to come to auction.

Also I attended the Hermès Vintage preview at Artcurial in Paris at the end of May. Artcurial is know for their art and collectables auctions in Paris and generally doesn't sell couture or accessories. The exception to the rule is their Hermès auctions which are held twice a year. This auction had 766 lots of every type of item imaginable from a riding saddle to Birkins, Kelly bags and every style in between. The space located off the Champs-élyséés is breathtaking and their preview was more of a museum installation which was a nice surprise.Three rooms of perfectly curated items; handbags of virtually every color and skin, a small offering of Hermes clothing, Hérmes china, whimiscal silver jewerly and wonderful prints in vibrant patterns of their famous scarves just to name a few.

I never thought that I was much of an Hermès fan but this was a treat and the explosion of color was just what I needed to see on that rainy day. Kudos to them and maybe one day when I decide to become a bit more classic in my style I may end up buying a piece or two. For now I'm just dreaming of dying my hair purple, turning back the clock a few years and buying that collection of New Romantics items in London next week.

Details:
Kerry Taylor Auctions
Unit C25
40 Martell Road
London SE21 8EN
Tel: 020 8676 4600
Fax: 020 8676 4604
info@kerrytaylorauctions.com
www.kerrytaylorauctions.com

Jeanne collaborates with a major auction house in searching for and evaluating pieces for upcoming auctions. Clients worldwide who may be interested in selling or consigning their items can email her images and questions regarding their items via her site www.jeannesuica.com

The Council of Fashion Designers of America awards took place on Monday night. I had mentioned that Tracey Ullman would be wearing vintage Claire McCardell - completely appropriate as she is one of the best American designers in fashion history. She also wore a McCardell inspired dress designed by Doo.Ri. I think the neckline is very Claire McCardell - chic without too much fuss.

It seems others wore either vintage or vintage inspiration...

Diane Von Furstenburg has asked Tracey Ullman to be the host of the annual Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) awards on June 15. It's no wonder DVF chose her. The insanely funny Ullman is often spoofing fashion players as an obvious form of adoration for fashion. The New York Times states" She is a big collector of Claire McCardell, one of the originators of the American fashion industry, and can casually drop into a conversation references to Christian Lacroix's financial troubles, Iris Apfel's eccentric style and the insistence of fashion magazines to churn out issues about how to dress for your age."

Ullman is such a huge Claire McCardell fan and collector, that she might be wearing Claire McCardell to the awards. My esteemed colleague and fellow fellow fashion dealer, Angela of Dorthea's Closet Vintage, recently sold Ms. Ullman a gorgeous Claire McCardell dress in black with bow details.

The Vintage Fashion Guild has provided a fantastic biography of Claire McCardell.

I was lucky enough to acquire one Claire McCardell in my vintage fashion career. I hope to score many more. The thing about Claire McCardell, her designs and her philosophy about fashion, is that she would find herself right at home in these tough economic times.

She wanted to design clothes that were practical yet beautiful and also affordable. Fashion for the every day woman. We are bombarded with supposed new looks every season - must haves, trends to wear. But McCardell's designs are so timeless, that the fashion industry in 2009 still finds much inspiration from her work. Diana Vreeland once stated that one of her dresses was "pathetic". She later supported the understated designer.

McCardell was not out to create a "New Look" or a shocking statement through waist lines and crinolines. She wanted to design for real women, with practical needs for fashion. ''We look at her as the founder of democratic American fashion,'' said F.I.T. curator Valerie Steele in a 1998 article in the NY Times.

Given that the honored guest of the evening will be Michelle Obama, a woman who mixes American contemporary designers with mass produced, affordable fashion, I think Claire McCardell would've been proud to have her creation appear on stage for an award ceremony that celebrates the casual elegance of American design.

photo: metmuseum.org

photo: rubylane.com

phto: smartsandcrafts.blogspot.com

Madeleine Vionnet (1876-1975)
18 June 2009 - 24 January 2010

Les Arts Décoratifs is devoting a major exhibition to Madeleine Vionnet. In 1952, the couturière donated 22 dresses, 750 dress patterns and 75 photo albums to Les Arts Décoratifs. Selected from her major works between 1912 and 1939 and now restored with the aid of Natixis, this exceptional collection of avant-garde designs can at last be shown to the public. Madeleine Vionnet's entire career was marked by her constant quest for freedom in extremely refined but unfettered designs close to antique drapery, which continue to fascinate couturiers such as Azzedine Alaia, Issey Miyake, Yohji Yamamoto and John Galliano.

Bijou Art déco et Avant-garde. Jean Després et les bijoutiers modernes
19 March - 12 July 2009

The exhibition is both a celebration of Art Deco jewellery and of the work of the jeweller and precious metalsmith Jean Després (1889-1980). 180 of this major yet little-known artist's works, inspired by Cubism and machinery, are being shown together for the first time, alongside works by the great names of French jewellery in the 1930s: Jean Fouquet, Gérard Sandoz, Raymond Templier (all three members of the Union des Artistes Modernes), and also by architects (Robert Mallet Stevens), interior designers, (Jean Dunand) and silversmiths (Jean Puiforcat), all illustrating the formidable attraction jewellery exercised over the artists of the period.

Today would've been Marilyn Monroe's 83rd birthday. The glamorous and sexy icon will never be forgotten. Especially now that she has gone Web 2.0.

A new social networking site created by ThisIsMarilyn.com, will be announced today at their annual Marilyn Monroe celebration. To celebrate the launch of ThisIsMarilyn.com the site is giving away $100,000 in highly sought after vintage photographs and limited edition prints. They include original photographs and signed prints from personal friends of Marilyn Monroe, Andre de Dienes and George Barris.

The contest which starts on June 1st, 2009 (Marilyn Monroe's Birthday) will award 55 prizes ranging in value from $800 to a grand prize worth over $15,000 will end on August 5th (the anniversary of her death). Official rules will be posted on the website. The contest is being sponsored by One West Publishing, Inc., George Barris and the Andre de Dienes Estate.

I have one more sale for you! This time from my good friend Posh Girl Vintage. If you have never visited this amazing vintage site, go there now! Posh Girl Vintage carries some of the most amazing dresses and accessories on the web. And you can trust that what you see is what you will get. No funny business here. You will not be disappointed.

I rarely feature men's vintage clothing, even though I have a husband with a closet full of vintage. But today, I break my sexist habits. If you have a boy or are a boy who loves vintage, here's a sale for you. Marc Joseph, an LA vintage dealer, is having one of his regular sales. Men's vintage from the 1940s to the '80s will be up for grabs here in LA.

Score yourself a vintage Hawaiian shirt or some comfy gabardine slacks. Bring lots of bills too because men's vintage is difficult to find. So if if you find it here, don't hesitate.

This first ever retrospective of Valentina: American couture and the Cult of Celebrity opened at the Museum of the City of New York on 14 Feb, 2009 and runs through 17 May, 2009. The exhibit seeks to provide the missing link in the history of American Couture, by showcasing this legendary talent who has thus far been shrouded in mystery.

I was thrilled to attend a private curator-led tour of the exhibit last week. Having never heard of Valentina, my curiosity was definitely piqued. We were able to see designs she created around the same time Coco Chanel was revolutionizing women's fashion, however we rarely hear of this innovative designer and her extravagant lifestyle, nor how she too was revolutionizing how women dressed. Valentina was America's first couture designer, never creating a ready-to-wear line, only couture pieces for friends and those she deemed worthy of her creations. A character for sure, but a talented, creative and charming character!

Born in Kiev in the Ukraine, Valentina spent time in Europe as a dancer. When she arrived in America, Valentina Sanina Schlee, known professionally as Valentina, had a rudimentary knowledge of sewing. She seized the chance to reinvent herself in New York and show her many talents. She believed in timeless fashion, not fad, and her designs remain timeless to this day. Valentina is accredited with creating American Couture, and went on to create wardrobes of the rich and famous including actresses as Greta Garbo, Katherine Hepburn, Merle Oberon, as well as socialites such as the Duchess of Windsor, and Mrs. Randolph Hearst.

She also created the idea of modularity in dressing; add a bolero, and you've got a new look for your old dress. Add an apron or overskirt -- yet another look. One of the most amusing things in the exhibit is an interview clip with Edward R, Murrow, where she transforms her very stylish, elegant, gown into something more suited for dinner with friends. She unbuttons the neckline, tucks it in, pulls it slightly over her shoulders, then splits the overskirt to reveal two long apron strings which she pulls to the back, ties in a bow thus creating a modified bustle. The skirt underneath is a simple black sheath. The bonus is that you get to hear the charming Valentina herself describe what she is doing. The look is so creative and honestly wish I had it myself! To me, this was the mother of investment dressing. Buy a few pieces and be able to switch them up for a different look fits right in with today's lifestyle (and budgets.)

You'll also find a selection of her trademark tricorn and coolie hats, which really finish the looks beautifully. I'm a total sucker for old Hollywood and seeing clothing made for and worn by Katherine Hepburn, Greta Garbo, Lillian Gish, Rosalind Russell - all favorite actresses of mine - gave me great joy. The workmanship that went into these creations was remarkable; I can only dream to one day own my very own Valentina!

Phyllis Magidson, the museum's curator of Costumes and Textiles had the daunting task of choosing through the family's personal collection of clothing and photographs after Valentina's death, as well as acquiring other items for the exhibit. She did a remarkable job of presenting Valentina in all her glory, between the clothing and photographs of Valentina by the most renowned photographers of her day such as Horst, and Cecil Beaton, to the informative exhibit.

There is a book by the same title that coincides with the exhibit written by Kohle Yohannan, foreword by Harold Koda, and published by Rizzoli. It is available through the museum and can also be ordered online.

Croquis, 1947
Pencil and gouache on paper
Artist/Designer: Valentina
Costume design for Katharine Cornell as "Cleopatra"
Museum of the City of New York, Gift of Katharine Cornell


Katharine Cornell
Antigone (1946)
Olive green silk matte jersey, draped self scarf edged with wild mink
Designed by Valentina, fabricated by Karinska
Museum of the City of New York, Gift of Katharine Cornell, 65.100.48


Dinner Ensemble, late-1940s

Navy silk satin dress, matching bolero
Label: Valentina
Museum of the City of New York, Gift of Irene Worth, 86.63.3abc


Evening Dress, ca.1949-50Sapphire-blue silk velvet
Label: Valentina
Museum of the City of New York, Gift of Irene Worth, 86.63.2


Evening Gown, mid-1940s
Scarlet silk jersey one-shouldered gown, matching drape
Designed and made for donor by Valentina


John Lee
Valentina, early 1940s
Albumen silver print
Courtesy of the Estate of Valentina Schlee

Suzanne Reinhardt Kuhn is the editor of Idee Fix and DebutanteClothing.com's newest contributor bringing you the best in vintage style from New York. Look for more articles from Suzanne coming soon!

Photos © C. Bay Milin

What: Santa Monica Vintage Fashion Expo
When: Saturday, April 25 to Sunday April 26
Where: Santa Monica Civic Auditorium
Details: You are invited to join your fellow clotheshorses, fashion designers, costumers, celebs and fashion editors from all over the globe who visit our 5 yearly shows.

You'll find

* A wide range of periods (1850-1980) and price levels
* Every style imaginable, from belle epoque finery to bell bottom jeans
* European classics from Chanel, Schiaparelli, and Lanvin
* Timeless American designs by Bill Blass, Bonnie Cashin, Halston & Claire McCardell
* Wardrobe ideas and inspiration

Contact if you have questions!

What: AUGUSTA AUCTIONS
When: April 29th at noon
Where: St. Paul Auditorium, 60th Street and Columbus, NYC

Photos & catalog at www.augusta-auction.com
Internet bidding through Artfact
Hope you'll take a look..some fabulous historic and designer clothing!

Any questions? karen@augusta-auction.com

1970s Halston gowns

1920s teal and gold lame evening coat

If you're looking for a way to celebrate Earth Day, don't drive there! Just revamp stuff you have in your own closet. Of course, it helps if you have a talented designer laying around to help you.

Vintage Couture legendary boutique, The Way We Wore, will be hosting a very special event where several famous designers will revamp vintage and create an entirely new look in honor of Earth Day, April 22nd. While I usually don't condone the cutting of vintage, in capable and educated hands, reworking vintage can breathe new life into an otherwise unwearable garment. Be sure to check out these one of a kind items when they go to auction on Ebay.com. How will you celebrate Earth Day?

Thursday night, I had the great pleasure of attending the Louis Verdad Louver collection preview. As if that weren't enough fashion pleasure, Cameron Silver of Decades Inc. also showed a collection of twenty-four incredible gowns representing some of the best wearable vintage couture. I was so excited about this event that it wasn't until I sat down to edit the video footage I took that I realized I was sitting behind Louis Verdad and Cameron Silver! The only stars in my eyes were the vintage kind.

The crowd was an interesting mix of fashionistas, celebrities such as Rose McGowan dressed by Cameron Silver in a vintage Loris Azzaro, Nicole Richie in vintage Zandra Rhodes and her new line, House of Harlow, Nicky Hilton, Dana Delaney in a green vintage wiggle dress, and Marisa Tomei in a 1958 vintage Christian Dior, with a few drag queens for good measure. The entire night was a museum worthy installation of beautiful fashion in every possible medium: 18-foot photos by August Bradleya, a fashion film by Robertino Fonseca that captured Bradley's photo shoot, Louis Verdad's collection displayed on mannequins, and the piece de resistance, the Decades fashion show.

The show started with a very somber operetta by two vinyl, corseted evening gown clad singers. Even the cello player was tightly bound in black vinyl. Perhaps this was a way to bridge the gothic themed collection by Louis Verdad and the vintage runway show.  Overall, it was an interesting performance. Then, a parade of vibrant vintage gowns marched down the runway.

The show included stunning gowns from the 1930s to the 1980s. Some of my favorites included a pink 1950s Pierre Cardin ombre ball gown and a 1930s blue paillette mermaid gown that I never would've guessed was that old. The crowd went wild over a red sequined 1960s Norman Norell cocktail dress. The colors ranged from fuschia to sea foam - I imagine Cameron Silver is getting the store ready for spring.

The event was a much needed injection of glamour and high fashion in a town that is best known for it's Hollywood starlets and very casual dress. I was thrilled to see so many attendees in vintage too.  I was no longer self conscious of my bright pink and red dress amongst the sea of black - vintage should stand out and be noticed. Isn't this part of why we wear it?

I am pleased to show you the latest of what I hope will be a series of vintage themed videos produced by DebutanteClothing.com. I hope my little Flip camera does the show justice. Enjoy!

Last night, I attended the premier Downtown LA Fashion Week show titled An Evening of 20th Century Glamour which benefited the Los Angeles Museum of Contemporary Art. Along with an amazing array of vintage gowns from vintage clothing darling Cameron Silver's, Decades (more on this tomorrow), Louis Verdad showed his newest collection titled Louver. If anyone has ever questioned LA's fashion scene, last night's show would have made their jaws drop.

The Decades-Verdad teaming for the event was apropos as there was much vintage influence in Verdad's collection. A 1920s style, ebony crocheted gown accessorized with patent leather opera gloves, punctuated with a crystal and spiked studs encrusted bracelet mingled with a 1960s looking wool cape and cap ensemble. The entire collection was a tug of war of between goth/fetish chic and vintage glamour. Normally, these aesthetics don't seem like they go together, but the juxtaposition of patent leather, delicate chiffon, crocheting, and studs was stunning.

The collection really resonated with me because mixing and matching design elements is what real style is all about. Those of us that wear vintage know this. Being a fan of mixing the unexpected, I felt the collection really reflected how LA people dress - we wear old and new, edge with femininity, high and low.

Louis Verdad has always had a feminine edge to his designs and is obviously influenced by great design from the past. He seems to feel comfortable in the world of frills, but just as relaxed in leather. He's the perfect designer for any rock and roll rooted subculture girl.  I feel lucky to have such a great designer who goes beyond simply wearable, mainstream fashion call Southern California home.

If you want to seem more of the collection, go to my Flickr feed. Stay tuned for the Decades vintage clothing fashion show, in video!

Photos: ©Sandra Mendoza-Daly, DebutanteClothing.com

Book your appointments NOW for one of the following beauty services offered by Valley:
Manicure, Pedicure, Waxing or Facials. Receive 10% off all service if you spend $50 or more during the event (discount must be used the same weekend).

The fun starts at 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. both days. For appointments call: 212-274-8985.

The shopping event is CASH only, although some vendors will be accepting
credit cards via Pay Pal. Valley accepts all major forms of payment.

While LA Fashion Week may have lost what little clout it had due to lack of interest from IMG and lack of money from, well everyone in California right now, the spirit of creativity and beautiful design has not been completely lost.  I am thrilled to be attending the Downtown Los Angeles Fashion Week (DLAFW) show entitled 'Evening of 20th Century Glamour' on March 19th.

The event will be hosted by actress Rachel Griffiths and feature one of vintage fashion's authorities, Cameron Silver's collection of 20th century fashions to be worn by the runway women of LA Models and special celebrity guests. Fashion designer Louis Verdad's new collection Louver, shot by photographer August Bradley, and the video installation about the designer by film director Robertino Fonseca, will also be presented. I own a few Louis Verdad pieces, both very vintage inspired, but for an even like this, I think I really should opt for vintage.

I am thinking of wearing a Jacques Heim couture dress, but aside from its rhinestone embellishments, I think it might be a little understated. Or I could wear an adorable velvet mini dress from the 1960s - it has the cutestet satin bow and has rhinestone trim on the neckline. This can be worn with really cute modern booties. Pictures to follow.

If you are in the LA area and are interested in attending this event, it is actually open to the public. See more information at www.downtownlafashionweek.com.

This is a special guest blog post from vintage clothing auction correspondent, Jeanne Suica...

Paris has been buzzing with the results of two major Yves Saint Laurent auctions that were held a couple weeks ago. The collection of Pierre Berge and Yves Saint Laurent which was held at Christie's broke a few major records in the antiques and art market. Did anyone say financial crisis? Not here! A pair of candelabra brought 253,000 euros and a chair fetched a sum of 21.9 million euros. Sadly, I couldn't even get close to the preview, there was a two hour wait to even get a peek of the fabulous collection.

I had better luck at the clothing and couture auction which was held a few days later at Hotel Duorot. The collection of 943 lots included a handful of haute couture pieces, many Rive Gauche items, accessories and a good amount of jewelry from 1962-2002.

Lot 564 Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture N 46547 Automne Hiver 1979-1980
Collection Hommage à Pablo Picasso

Lot 46 Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture N 1757 circa 1963 (ivory and black)

Continue reading "Going, going, gone... Paris vintage clothing auction report"

When it comes to fashion design, not fashion as it relates to the masses, fashion magazines and media seem to push the familiar, the collections with mass appeal. This is a business after all. But Valentina did not buy into trends and fads. Her designs and cutting edge work led to her being regarded as a pioneer in American couture.

A Russian immigrant, her life was a true American dream story. Valentina went from an unknown, to a celebrity fashion designer due to her fashion forward designs. Her clients included Greta Garbo and Mrs. Hearst. She reminds me of another immigrant, fashion forward designer plucked from relative obscurity until she was worn by one of the most famous women in the world - Isabel Toledo.

Valentina was a designer beyond her time, and stylistically, cared very little for trends. Much like Dame Vivienne Westwood, Valentina exclaimed, "I hate fashion!".

It's a shame that the fashion business thrives on pumping trends rather than form, art, quality and design. If Valentina Sanina Schlee were alive today, there is no doubt fashion bloggers would be typing their fingers to the bone about her fashion forward designs.

Check out Market Publique's blog post about this amazing and fascinating designer.

Valentina's work will be on display in an exhibit at the Museum of the City in New York titled, Valentina: American Couture and the Cult of Celebrity, February 14 through May 17.

In the meantime, check out this fantastic video featuring the author of the book by the same title, Kohle Yohannan

Some of you may remember the American show "Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous" hosted by Robin Leach. Each week Mr. Leach would lead viewers through the homes and destination spots of the rich and famous providing a sneak peek into a world that most of us would never be privileged enough to see in real life.

Growing up it was one of my favorite shows along with dreaming about attending couture shows of Yves Saint Laurent, one of my favorite designers. Yves Saint Laurent passed away last year leaving his business partner Monsieur Pierre Bergé with a phenomenal collection of art, antiques and collectables that they had amassed together.

Now if you want a peek into the world of the rich and famous, all you need is a metro ticket or two...

Acclaimed as one of the most important private collections formed in the past century, this collection will be auctioned off over the course of two days, including 233 lots of furniture, paintings, drawings, sculpture and jewelry from Renaissance, Old Masters, Art Deco and Ming Dynasty.

One of my favorite items is lot 246: a serpent vase by Jean Dunand with an auction estimate of 25,000-30,000 euros. (Note to self: call my credit card company and ask them to increase my spending limit).

Definitely worth the trip and better than a museum in some cases. And the best part is that it's free to attend and a great learning experience for anyone interested in antiques, art or fine collectables.

A fully illustrated catalogue including a comprehensive downloadable brochure can be found at www.christies.com.

The Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé Collection
Christie's in Association with Pierre Bergé Associés
Grand Palais des Champs-Elysées
Avenue Winston-Churchill, 8th
M° Champs-Elysées Clemenceau

Preview Dates February 21-23
Sale Dates February 23-25

For those of you who like fashion, the memory of Yves Saint Laurent continues with what most of us know him best for: his timeless and elegant creations. If you need to update your wardrobe, are a collector, or just want to browse, you should attend the Yves Saint Laurent Couture preview or auction.

It's one of the few clothing auctions in Paris this season at Drouot Richelieu, the destination place for antique dealers and collectors in Paris. This auction is advertised as a couture auction and one of the few that I've seen dedicated to one designer, at least in title. I imagine that there will also be ready to wear items, both gently worn contemporary and vintage, along with a good amount of accessories and jewelry as well. To date, the catalogue is not on line so may also include other designers.

An online catalog is usually available at www.auction.fr two weeks before the auction and a print catalog may also be available for purchase at the preview. Not as organized as Christies in particular for their on line catalogs (generally only select items are photographed and the quality of the photographs and descriptions leave much to be desired) this auction may be worth checking out if nothing else but to be able to try on some of YSL's finest creations.

Couture Yves Saint Laurent
Drouot Richelieu
9 Rue Drouot, 9th
M° Richelieu Drouot

Preview dates February 24 and 25
Sale dates February 26 and 27

And for those of you who may not be in Paris in late February or may not have a huge amount to spend but are looking for that special Yves Saint Laurent piece, you'll find Yves Saint Laurent pieces on www.ebay.com, www.ebay.co.uk and www.ebay.fr

Happy Bidding!

Contributed by Jeanne Suica
permission to repost from Secrets of Paris

An exhibit of 20th Century fashions from the turn of the century and each decade following will be on display at the Charleston Antique Mall, in Las Vegas, Nevada, starting in March, 2009. The presentation will run for four weeks. The public is invited free of charge everyday from March 22 through April 18.

The antique mall is located at 307 W. Charleston Blvd., in the downtown Las Vegas art district and is housed in the historic building that was originally a 7 UP bottling plant back in the 1950's.

Antique and vintage outer wear, bridal wear, day, evening, leisure and lingerie wear, hats and accessories of all types will be part of the century of fashion display.

Starting with late Victorian pieces, the exhibit will go on to include clothing styles from the 1910-1920 decade, the ever-changing trends of the 1920's, the very fashionable 1930's and into the stylish 1940's.
Some of the garments from the early eras will be on loan from collectors.

With the current rage for vintage and retro clothing, mid-century fashion designs and the iconic styles of 1950's and 60's will be the highlight of the exhibit.

The exhibit committee is composed of several antique dealers with various backgrounds that encompass fashion design, expertise in retail trends, and collecting antique, vintage and retro style clothing.

For more information call the Charleston Antique Mall at 702-228-4783

Photo: pahrumpauction.com

If you're looking for something to do this weekend, check out the Santa Monica Vintage Fashion Expo. At the last expo, Dita Von Teese cause quite a stir amongst the dealers and shoppers alike. Come shop where modern pin ups shop! I'll be there.

When it comes to vintage clothing, couture and designer finds are the treasures that entice us to check one more thrift, visit one more estate sale, rummage through one more church bazaar. But when you find something so amazing that Ebay might be too small potatoes for your vintage find, it's time to hit the auction circuit.

Abigail Rutherford is the Director of Vintage Couture and Accessories at Leslie Hindman Auctioneers, one of the premier auction houses in the US. Located in Chicago, Ill., Leslie Hindman hold vintage couture and accessories auction three to four times per year. Rutherford is currently seeking lots for their upcoming couture auction April 19.

Abigail was gracious enough to take a few moments from her busy schedule to answer a few questions about couture and auctions...

How did you get your start in vintage couture?

Here at Leslie Hindman- My background was in Art History so this seemed like the perfect liaison between my two loves, fashion and art!

What's the best part of your job?

Uncovering the treasures that people bring in and learning the history behind each one, it is fascinating!

When it comes to designer and couture vintage, what do you look for in auction consignment pieces?

There are two categories that I look for- collectability and wearability. Both categories sell equally as well.

What are hot sellers right now at Leslie Hindman Auctioneers?

Evening and cocktail as well as Chanel and Hermes accessories.

What's been the highest closing auction you've come across?

Hermes crocodile Birkins always garner the highest price, they can be comparable to prices of Picassos!

What's been the strangest auction piece you've seen?

A see-through mesh evening gown from the 40s that sold for $4000 against an estimate of 200-400, I was stunned watching it go up at auction.

How does Chicago's vintage marketplace differ from New York?

New York has a very strong retail market, but is without an auction resource. Leslie Hindman is the premier auction resource in the country catering to clients worldwide. It should also be known that when buying at auction you are paying fair market value, which is closer to a wholesale value rather than a retail value, therefore the vintage couture at auction is less expensive than a retail venue that would be marking up these garments.

What types of bidders come to Leslie Hindman auctions?

There are a huge variety of bidders from all over. They are generally associated with museums, institutions, retail venues, or just private individuals looking to collect.

What should one do if they are interested in selling a vintage piece at a live auction?

Go to our website at www.lesliehindman.com and there are instructions for the consignment process!

Any tips for vintage bidders?

Always request more information on the piece, whether it is measurements or general condition, this information will better equip you when you go to bid!

Yesterday was like Christmas. The country was giddy with excitement, which then turned into raw emotion for some, including me.

We are not only witnessing history in the making, we are living and breathing hope - not the wild eyed, rainbows and sunshine hope that right winged mocked us with. We are now entering an era where a shift of mindset is taking place.

We are being forced to act frugally and I am hoping that this will stir some selflessness. I can hope!

In the meantime, I am glad to see such a handsome couple in office.

photo: the impossible cool

I was so thrilled to see one of my favorite shows, Mad Men, when a Golden Globe Sunday evening. It's such a unique show and I have never seen such developed characters. But I was really surprised to see actress Elisabeth Moss wearing vintage! Obviously, she wears vintage all day, every day at work, which is why I thought the last thing the cast would choose to wear was vintage.

But what a beauty she picked. A delightful pouf of fire red tulle. It was pretty and perky. She looked adorable. I'm glad she decided to style herself, even though her shoes and bag didn't quite go together. She looks like she got dressed for a nice event and didn't dwell on it for weeks and weeks. Good for her! Life's too short.

photos: Getty Images

Christina Hendricks chose a vintage inspired dress and she looked stunning.  She is my ideal body type - curves for days.  The criss-cross treatment at the waist cinched her in even more while the shelf bust made her figure look out of this world.  Her bag MAYbe vintage however. It's hard to tell in this Getty image.  It looks like a rectangular satin box purse.  I love that she still gave vintage a nod, but no one could accuse her of being stuck in the past - like some of us!

photo: fabsugar.com

Heidi Klum also wore vintage. She chose a festive Galanos dress with a huge rosette at the waist and killer strappy sandals.  She looked adorable and really bucked the gray dress trend.

Karl Lagerfeld has paid homage to Gabrielle Coco Chanel in this short silent film. Although it isn't truly silent - you'll hear sound effects - the film is beautifully made. I'm hoping Lagerfeld will create sequels because this seems to be incomplete. I would love to see the rest of Chanel's life captured in modern black and white.

Yoox.com has done it again. This time they have curated a gorgeous collection of some of the finest vintage and contemporary jewelry. The Italy based online retailer is showcasing vintage costume jewelry from some of the most collectible designer names.

The collection, titled Past & Present features vintage pieces from Coppola e Toppo, Trifari, Monet, Miriam Haskell, Chanel, Kenneth Jay Lane, and Correani. Many of the pieces come from precious private collections like that of the jewelry historian Deanna Farneti Cera.

The selection is presented through six themes, all of which illustrate the most significant trends of next season: Black, Cuffs & Bracelets, Graphic Themes, Chains, Pearls, and Glamorous Ornaments.

"Jewelry lifts our spirits and transforms the clothes we wear. Once dismissed as a poor imitation of fine jewelry, costume jewelry came into its own in the 20th century, with its own glamour and its own design tradition-adventurous, stylish, bigger, bolder."  Holly Brubach

Be sure to check out Natalia Brilli's interview. She discusses her inspiration for her leather based jewelry line and how she uses vintage haute couture techniques to create her exquisite collection.

Deanna Farneti Cera, costume jewelry historian and author of many collecting books, not only contributed some of her own private collection, but she also gives some insight into the world of collectible costume jewelry.

She claims there are two types of people who purchase costume jewelry. One buys without much thought but with the purpose of purchasing something elegant that matches an outfit or their appearance. The other is the type that puts thought into each purchase - the collector. This buyer selects pieces based on themes, periods or styles.

I think I am more of a theme shopper. I have tons of buckle bracelets and I can't seem to stop. It's funny how you realize in hindsight that you have amassed a collection without knowing it when you continue to buy what tickles your fancy.

Check out the Past & Present article where you can find the videos and a ton of great historical information.

Sale ends January 31, 2009.

Politicians and crazed supporters will argue, scream and shout about patriotism. The only real patriotic action in this country is to VOTE!

Here's a little vintage inspiration for this long, stressful day...

And if you need a little vintage fashion coping mechanism, check out my post on Vintage Patriotic Shoes at FantasticToe.com! By the way, have you entered the contest?

When vintage fashion historians of the caliber of Katy Rodriguez and Mark Haddaway get together to curate an auction for Christie's, you know the catalog is going to be brimming with he most coveted fashion of the 20th century.

The authoritative vintage duo of Resurrection NY and LA fame has curated the collection which will go under the hammer Thursday, October 30. Titled Resurrection Avant Garde, the collection feautres some of the most cutting edge designers of last 60 years. This auction is basically mecca for all of us interested in vintage clothing.

Some of the most intriguing, and potentially highest fetching, pieces are rare examples of space age and modern design from Paco Rabanne, Rudy Grenreich, Courreges, and a particularly rare "satellite cape" by Pierre Cardin. In other words, the who's who of cutting edge fashion design of the '60s.

I'm always fascinated by the uber mod, space age designs of Pierre Cardin. If I had a home big enough to house mannequins displaying collectible garments, I'd invite people over to take a look at my "sculpture". Or maybe I'd just sit and stare at them with a glass of wine. One can wish. I'm particularly interested to see how much the 1967 Paco Rabanne wedding dress goes for. It is estimated at £10,000. The eccentric wedding dress was designed for a Middle Eastern bride, but she never wore it. The dress is a cacophony of small white leather rectangles and aluminum, but for the anti-bride, it's a beautiful work of art.

Other avant garde fashion history makers will include my favorite Vivienne Westwood, with pieces from her Sex, Seditionaries and Pirates collections, and the most famous names in avant garde fashion, Norma Kamali, Zandra Rhodes, and Issey Miyake, British favorite Ossie Clark, and the late Yves Saint Laurent will also be on the auction block.

Rather than give you a fashion history lesson, check out the Vintage Fashion Guild's Label Resource, as they have one of the most comprehensive history guides with label images on the web. Maybe I can even recommend some fashion history books in another post!

You can check out some stunning images at Telegraph.co.uk. Be sure to check out the Christie's page and peruse the hundreds of pieces of eye candy for you vintage viewing pleasure.

I'd love to see your faves!

photos: Leon Neal/AFP/Getty Images

Rosamond Bernier, the glamorous lecturer at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, has led a life of art, high culture and equally high fashion. Dame Bernier will be letting the world into her closet as she unloads some of her envious wardrobe on Yoox.com today.

The 92 year old socialite and lecturer hobnobbed with the likes of artists such as Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, Joan Miró and Georges Braque. One can only imagine the caliber of her dinner parties.

Yoox.com has become a major resource in collectible vintage couture so it makes perfect sense that Yoox.com founder, Federico Marchetti, would encourage Mrs. Bernier to grace the site with her legendary wardrobe. One of the most talked about pieces in the sale is a haute couture 1959 Dior water-color dress with matching purse. This was the time when the late Yves Saint Laurent designed for the house of Dior. Yoox.com is no stranger to the wonder of vintage Dior as evidenced by their recent vintage Dior collection.

As an added bonus, Rosamond Bernier will comment on each featured item from her wardrobe, sharing her recollections of how and when she acquired it and the noteworthy occasions on which she wore it. Provenance and a good story is always a plus when purchasing vintage!

The sale will also feature a Zandra Rhodes dress from the early 1970's, a Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel red wool bouclé suit from the early 1980's and a Kenneth Jay Lane leaf necklace, circa 1970.

The sale starts this Thursday October 23 at around 9 a.m., EST at Yoox.com.

If all of you West Coasters were a bit jealous of East Coasters having a ball at the Manhattan Vintage Fashion Show last weekend, now it's your turn to have a vintage romp.

The Santa Monica Vintage Fashion Expo is celebrating its 20th anniversary, and October will be the 3rd stop in California for the crew and dealers. 90 dealers total will attend and of course collectors, designers, stylists, historians and fashion press will be there. And because of the proximity to Los Angeles, the show is usually peppered with celebrities.

The October show will also include a fashion show presented by Deborah Rush entitled "Obsessed with Dress in the 20th Century". Also, be sure to attend the live period dance demonstration and instruction given by James Zimmer. Come and learn dance styles of the 1920's - 1940's.

I'll probably attend Sunday, although I hate to miss the fashion show. I'll be sure to take pictures.

Santa Monica Vintage Fashion Expo
Santa Monica Civic Auditorium
Regular Hours: 10:30-6 Sat. & 11-5 Sun., tickets $10.00
Early Buying: Sat. 9:00-10:30 a.m., tickets $20
Students admitted free on Sunday with student I.D.

It's back! One of the must attend events for anyone who loves vintage clothing and accessories - the Manhattan Vintage Clothing Show. I've never been to NYC, but when I do, I am definitely going during this show. Can you imagine the caliber of vintage you could find? New York is the American epicenter of fashion.

I can just imagined the mounds of fluffy and decadent vintage furs (and I convince myself it's ok because it's old), the rails of vintage dresses - full ones, sleek ones, printed ones,beaded ones.

If you are near Manhattan, get yourself to the event and just basque in the glory of tailoring, quality fabrics and silhouettes that never go out of style.

Manhattan Vintage Clothing Show
Friday, October 10th, 1-8pm
Saturday, Oct. 11th, 11am-6pm
Admission is $20

The Metropolitan Pavilion is located at 125 W. 18th Street between 6th and 7th Avenues in Manhattan. For more information call 518-434-4312 or visit www.manhattanvintage.com.

This year, the Emmy Awards celebrated the big 6-0. I'm not a huge awards fashion hound, but I am always curious to see who has the most vintage inspiration.

Well I should have known my girl America would show up in style, but this year she did it in vintage. I don't know if she's going through a vintage phase, but I love it! She has the right body for pretty 50s dresses. In addition to gorgeous black frock, she is decked out in 19th century Fred Leighton jewels.

CREDIT: Frazer Harrison/Getty

And Sandra Oh looked gorgeous in a black lace Oscar de la Renta gown topped off with a vintage Chanel bag and Chanel pearled shoes.

CREDIT: Frazer Harrison/Getty

Apparently Dana Delany wore vintage as well, but I cannot seem to find a picture. If I missed any other vintage, please let me know so I can drool some more.

While there weren't too many vintage dress (there never are), there was a whole lot of vintage bling. According to the Diamond Information Center, www.adiamondisforever.com, the following celebrities were decorated with some serious vintage ice:

Brooke Shields - Fred Leighton - Old mine-cut diamond leaf and vine earrings in silver on gold

Dana Delany - LILY et Cie - 1920's French diamond earrings set in platinum

Debra Messing - Fred Leighton - 19th Century old mine diamond fan pendant earrings, 25-carats

Emilie de Raven - H. Stern and Stephen Russell - H. Stern Victorian diamond earrings with cognac diamonds, valued at $8,300

Glenn Close - Fred Leighton - 1930's diamond pendant earrings

Jillian Dempsey - Fred Leighton - Old mine-cut diamond pendant earrings, 3-carats each

Kyra Sedgwick - Fred Leighton - 1930's diamond pyramid earrings in platinum

Olivia Wilde - Kwiat - 1960's diamond Decades Collection earrings, valued at $300,000

Cynthia Nixon - Fred Leighton -1920's buckle diamond bracelet; art deco diamond bracelet

Dana Delany - LILY et Cie - Three French 1920's diamond bracelets

Glenn Close - Fred Leighton - 1930's diamond bracelet

Hayden Panettiere - Fred Leighton -1920's diamond bracelet in platinum; 1920's diamond and onyx bracelet in platinum

Mary-Louise Parker - Cartier - Cartier tradition triple and double raw diamond bracelet, Cartier London 1934, including 85 cushion- and circular-cut diamonds with 28-carats of diamonds, 20 baguette-cut diamonds with approximately 1.4 carats of diamonds, and four rose-cut diamonds, valued at $335,000; Cartier Tradition pear shaped diamond bracelet, Cartier Paris 1951, 204 diamonds with 19.33 carats of diamonds, valued at $92,000

Several biopic projects depicting the life of Coco Chanel are in the works. Along with a made for TV movie on Lifetime, a film starring Audrey Tatou and Alessandro Nivola will be released next year.

But critics have not received the Lifetime series warmly.

A NEW made-for-television film, Coco Chanel - which claims to be "freely inspired by the truth" - has been savaged by critics for its lack of structure, factual inaccuracies and "wooden" acting.

Mademoiselle would not be pleased!

source: Vogue UK website

I was inspired by the sea of pink Rose Apodaca was able to capture at the Trina Tarantino Barbie launch party. Pink of every shade was present in the sickeningly sweet candy jar that is the Tarina Tarantino boutique. But all the pinks in the world pale in comparison to the shocking pink color of Tarina's mane which she has passed down to her newest gal pal - Barbie.

In honor of Tarina's new venture, this week's vintage find is this gorgeous Victor Costa strapless dress with a lettuce like shelf bust. Wouldn't this have been a perfect dress of this event?

available at ebay.com
starts at $19.99, but you can buy it now for $85

Resurrection Vintage, co-founded in the mid-'90s by Katy Rodriguez, has begun its month long summer sale. Select pieces from its designer collection will be marked at 70 percent off including pieces by Alaia, Vivian Westwood and Gucci, along with Katy Rodriquez's Spring/Summer '08 collection. At Resurrection, 8006 Melrose Ave., L.A.

via la.com

The fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent amassed an art collection that is renowned as one of the most fabulous in private hands. It includes works by Old Masters and contemporary greats, among them Picasso, Mondrian, Warhol, Matisse and Goya, to name just a few.

Now, following his death last month aged 71, Saint Laurent's business partner, former companion and heir, Pierre Bergé - with whom he built the collection - is reported to be considering a massive international sale.

source: http://www.artbistro.com/

My favorite little Parisian tarts are having a sale!

You get 20 percent off everything in our online shop, both tops and jewelry. All you have to do is use the coupon code word "LOVERBOY" when checking out. Get it while you still can, this sale ends July 22nd. Vas vite mon cherie!

Last Saturday, I made the trek up the 10 freeway to the boulevard of the uber hip and notoriously trendy - Melrose Ave. But I was willing to guzzle some gas just to check out the latest vintage themed book Vintage LA by Jennifer Brandt Taylor. I was relieved to see no hipsters nor trendsters -- nothing but stylish, slightly eccentric and interesting people.

The book release soirée took place at Fred Segal and the place was crawling with interesting folks. I spotted Rodney Bingenheimer of KROQ and apparently the Mayor was running around. He sure loves fashion events.

Vintage LA is a feast of pictures ranging from kooky LA personalities, enviable dresses and shoes, and enchanting LA establishments and landmarks. Think of it as a road map for everything vintage under the LA sun. I was pleasantly surprised to see that the book also includes entertaining prose whereas other books on vintage are usually very dry and to the point. Jennifer does a great job of telling us little known stories about the gems in LA.

me and Jennifer

Aileen and bf Matt

hot blonde

and her 1920s hat (quite unusual)

And be sure to check out Rose Apodaca's interview with Jennifer.

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

"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.

Credit: Richard Lea-Hair / NTI / HRP

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 dress
newsteam.co.uk

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