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

I came across a very funny blog post at The Gloss, a B5 Media network blog about fashion. The snarky post discusses the lies woman say about why the wear vintage. At the risk of totally pissing you off, check it out. It's quite funny.

It's unfortunate that Ms. Wright has had such an unpleasant experience with vintage and thinks all vintage is grandma clothes with arm pit stains. I wish she could see the stunning garments some of my favorite sellers such as Shrimpton Couture, Dorthea's Closet. Violet Ville Vintage, Past Perfect Vintage and Couture Allure offer. No stains, minimal flaws, if any, and very wearable.

It makes me wonder where the heck the writer is shopping. Granted, if you have taken a look at Ebay, or even Etsy sometimes, in the past year and a half, the marketplace is filled with undesirable old clothing picked by untrained eyes. Quality vintage clothing is rare and is priced accordingly.

So to counter the 5 lies Ms Wright thinks we're telling, here are my 5 reasons I wear vintage:

1. Yes, quality
You just don't see the same kind of high quality patterns and fabric in modern day clothing! Oh, puce and red paisley velour isn't around in Topshop? Try to figure out why.

Seriously? Who is wearing this? These sound awful in any decade. In terms of quality, I'm not sure Topshop counts as being a source of craftsmanship.
The construction and fabrics of vintage clothing were made so much better than today's fast fashion. These garments have lasted 50 years. Can we say that about a top at Topshop?

2. Uniqueness
I do like looking a bit different. And yes I do have a personality. In fact, my confidence and personality make it easy for me to pull of vintage. If you worry about what people will think about you, or are worried about trends, vintage is not for you.

3. Silhouettes
I love the silhouettes of the mid-century. The 40s through the 60s are my favorite decades because they compliment my figure perfectly. When everything in the mall is a short baby doll dress, I would look like a 20 lb. sack of flour. No thanks! You can keep your trends.

4. Inspiring
Um, you know all those beautiful clothing that walk down the runway and then trickle down into the mass market shops like said Topshop? Where do you think designers get their inspiration? When John Galliano is shopping in The Way We Wore, you better believe vintage style will make an appearance in Dior's Couture show. I can't afford couture, but I sure can afford a $200 inspirational dress.

5. Resell value
When i buy a vintage dress, I look for value. i know that when I purchase a great piece and after I have tired of it (or grown out of it) I can resell it for probably what I purchased it for. Can you say the same thing for modern clothes? Not very many of them. The idea of disposable fashion and seeing all of the trash in thrifts forces me to shop less, but shop better. Vintage is a good investment if you want to resell.

The Business and Beauty of Style

This week, the links were especially thoughtful. With all of the buzz about fashion bloggers and how (or if) we make money, it was great to see some insightful posts about fashion and the almighty dollar. Grechen of Grechen Blogs discusses blogging for money, while Style On a String takes an in depth look at the dark side of logo chasing. But let's not get too bogged down with the seriousness of fashion. Perhaps Simply Luxurious can convince you to indulge in the beauty of fashion with her collage of gorgeous, backless gowns. Or maybe you're more interested in a catwalk down memory lane, via celluloid, with Old Fashion Love Story's stills of unforgettable 70s costumes from the film Mahogany (costume designed by Miss Diana Ross!). After all, in the sarcastic words of Stanley Tucci in The Devil Wears Prada, "Yes, that is what this billion dollar business is all about. Inner beauty". Enjoy!

Links à la Mode : May 6

• Blog To Be Alive - Plus Size London Shopping Guide


• CakeNotCoke.com - Greg Lauren Alteration


• Debutante Clothing - Vintage Inspired Finds From Marshalls


• Dedicated Follower of Fashion - DFOF TV: Nosey Parker - Chelsea Rebelle


• Denim Debutante - How to Stretch Jeans


• grechen blogs - why shouldn't fashion bloggers make money blogging?


• Idiosyncratic Style - Fashion that goes Splat!


• In Her Stilettos - UT Fashion Show


• Independent Fashion Bloggers - Read the Fine Print: Chictopia and Payless Don't Need to Ask to Profit from Blogger Images


• old fashion love story - old fashion on film: mahogany


• Pink Dossier - What They Wore: Coachella


• Retro Chick - Review - Soap & Glory Sit Tight


• Searching for Style - Fashion 101: Where do Fashion Trends Come From?


• Simply Luxurious - Unforgettable Exit


• Snapshot Fashion - Prom 2010


• Style on a String - Luxury: Counterfeiting - The dirty secret of logo chasing


• style, substance & sutton - A TIE DYE DIY


• The Coveted - Behind the Scenes at Nasty Gal


• The Pink Peplum - The Green Movement


• Tog & Trappings - A hat, a hat, my kingdom for a hat


• What to Wear Where - The World of Yves Saint Laurent

I found this great Halloween costume idea on one of my favorite blogs, What I Wore. Jessica is so creative when it comes to styling that I'm not surprised she was able to put this together. Of course, my non-fashiony friends would assume I am a hip George Washington.

photo source: What I Wore

Last week, I posted a link to my contribution to Style Sample magazine. The lovely Ashe asked me to contribute some style picks that remind me of school. Of course I was nostalgic about the whole thing. I tend to live in the past.

Several of you asked to see the article in its full length, so here you go!

This round up was a real treat for me. My fondest memories of school were my most fashionable moments in Junior High. It was the 80s. I find it ironic and a bit unnerving that the 80s are back in full force. When you first realize you lived through an era that has made the full circle and is back in style, you can't help but feel a bit old. However, I loved the 80s and am glad this fun decade is back.

Junior High

My very first pair of pumps were white pleather, 1" kitten heels. I wore these with ankle socks in various neon colors. Yes, to Junior High. I was a fashion victim, er, plate in the making. My mom did not allow me to wear crucifixes by the handful, so this was my best homage to Madonna.

My leggings were not this cool. My floral leggings were pastel colored. I don't recall exactly how I wore them, but I am positive some oversized sweater was involved. This was my attempt at a romantic Pretty in Pink/Molly Ringwald look. "Andi" started my infatuation with vintage clothing.

High School

90210 was the zip code du jour in high school. I begged my mom for blazers and Betsey Johnson floral dresses. My mom refused the blazers due to the fact that she didn't want me to look old, she vetoed the Betsey Johnson florals due to the price tag, but she did let me have a few chokers! Thank goodness for a little clothing boutique called Judy's, which was the equivalent of today's Charolette Russe, because they carried the best Betsey Johnson knock-offs. I had owned a garden variety of babydoll and full-length floral poly-chiffon dresses.

My Senior year of high school, I discovered Rockabilly! I had always loved old movies and music. I was enamored with the beautiful women of the golden era of film. I never knew there was a whole world of people who lived this vintage lifestyle. I was hooked!

Now

And just like fashion, school days come full circle because today, I am a teacher. When I am not scouring the earth for vintage treasure, or blogging about fashion, I teach middle school. But growing older doesn't mean leaving style behind. When my finicky teen students compliment my outfits, I know I've still got it because despite what your parents told you, school IS a fashion show!

My husband and I have a shared Google Calendar for important dates like birthdays, our anniversary, and the premiere of MadMen 8/16. Yes, yes, the costumes are to die for. But I'm not even going to bore you with that right now. I'm even more thrilled that AMC has come up with a clever little social media scheme that has Mad Men addicts hooked. Mad Men Yourself! You can put together a dapper or styish avatar ala 1960, complete with cigarette and martini accessories. It's like a Mii, but cooler. You can even pick your scene - at the bar with Don Draper, at Sterling Cooper, being catty with the secretaries.

You can then save your MadMen creation for Twitter, Facebook, your iPhone and as desktop wallpaper. This has to be the best use of social media yet.

But before you race over there to create your MadMen character, I have to warn you that the body shapes aren't very varied. You're going to appear much curvier than real life. At least we can all look like Joan Holloway this time around!

Got to the AMC website to create your MadMen avatar! Post a link here and we'll have a cocktail party.

It's time for another Vintage Roadshow roundup - the best vintage talk on the web. Our little vintage blogger group is starting to grow! If you write about vintage clothing or living, come join us.

Debutante Clothing rings in the New Year in 1960s black and white paillettes.

The Vintage Travelermourns the end of Bill Blass.

Glamoursplash begins a series of posts on swimwear through the ages.

Here's Looking Like You, Kid has lots of leopard print for sex kittens.

iKonic does her part for the economy with her new weekly feature Vintage Cheap But Chic.

Photo: vogue.co.uk

"Handkerchiefs and reputations are exceedingly easy to lose. Both are lost in about equal numbers daily. All the reputations lost are very good ones - and the more irretrievably lost they are, the better they were. The handkerchiefs lost should be better. Imagine a lady saying, 'My reputation is gone, but I don't care. It wasn't any good'. Yet that is exactly the attitude she takes toward a lost handkerchief.'"

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.

Check out my latest round up titled Vintage Bling at Venuszine.com! Lot's of sparkly goodies for your holiday wardrobe.

The tarts over at Locher's want to know how naughty or nice (but preferably naughty) you've been this year. Since it is the season for giving, and sweet tidings and all those things, NICOLE LOCHER has decided to get into the holiday spirit and give 10 LUCKY WINNERS something for FREE from the Locher's store.

Here is how you can get the chance to get your grubby little mitts on something sweet.

Instead of writing Santa about how good you were this year, Nicole wants to know just how bad you were. The top ten letters of all the naughty secrets and slutty things you did over the past year will be rewarded with ANY one item of your choice from the store for FREE with free shipping.

Don't worry, your emails are just for Nicole to read in private - no one will ever know. You can write in English, French or German, and the juicier, the better. True stories only - Nicole will smell bullshit and it won't be considered.

Email your story until DECEMBER 14th to badsanta@lochers.com. Tell them Debutante Clothing sent ya. Best of luck!

In the last chapter of How to Dress for Success, Edith Head gave us the perfect formula for dressing to get and keep a man. But what about him? What about what we want our man, and our offspring, to look like? They are a direct extension of us.

"The woman who is always elegantly coiffed, meticulously dressed and fashionably turned out while her mate and offspring look like orphans of the storm deserves, and gets, little credit for her sparkling appearance."

Clothes Make the Man

Miss Head acknowledges that if your husband is a Dapper Dan, you needn't worry. However, if your guy is a Sloppy Joe, you may need to take matters into your own hands. She advises you pick out his clothes and lay them out for him. Especially if you want Sloppy to climb the career ladder.

She also suggests you get him a subscription to Esquire "for the articles". He won't be able to avoid the fashion so hopefully picks up a fashion cue or two. Give him advice on what looks good on him, but be gentle and tender. Don't take my approach - "You're going to wear THAT?" It doesn't work.

Formula for Having a Better Dressed Husband
1. Take an active interest in how your husband looks and in his wardrobe. Analyze both him and it.

2. Learn about men's fashions. Know about fabrics, styles, features and prices. Shop men's departments and men's magazines.

3. If your husband's wardrobe concept needs improvement, work with him (rather than on him) to educate his tastes, change habits and turn his indifference into enthusiasm.

4. Shop with him and for him to make sure his clothing i becoming, well-fitted, flattering and properly coordinated.

5. Most important of all, help to keep his wardrobe in condition - clean, pressed and mended. A well-groomed man looks successful and has the best chance of being successful.

Tomorrow...children and teens!

This week we've got finding the perfect coat on Retro Chick and The Bare Skinny. A Few Goody Gumdrops knocked me out my chair with the most amazing diamond necklace I've ever seen. Hello, Lover, Hello Pantone... finally they are getting into shoes. 39thandbroadway explains the mystery that is behind sizes, it's not your vanity. Debutante Clothing shows us safety pin couture, and The Coveted gives us all the reasons we need not to fake it.

• 39thandbroadway - The truth behind your size label and your vanity!
• A Few Goody GumDrops - A Few Goody Gumdrops is drooling over the all diamond necklace from Mauboussin!
• Being High Maintenance, not Bitchy - How to capture classic 3.1 Phillip Lim style for less
• Capitola Girl Jewelry Blog - The Steampunk-stylings of two indie jewelry artists who take wire-wrapped rings to another dimension...
• Debutante Clothing - Debutante Clothing finds vintage inspiration from couture safety pins
• Diary of a Style Addict - is coveting Rihanna's look on her new "Rehab" video
• Dogmom's Dish - Tokidoki's Simone Legno In San Francisco
• dreamecho - Weapon of Choice: Cultural Commentary, Trivialization and Personal Responsibility in Fashion
• fashion fille - A realization of the blogosphere's current sequin obsession.
• fashion in my eyes - In Maglia E Meglio,Christian Louboutin for Rodarte
• Fashion Pulse Daily - Fashion Pulse can't wait to get its hands on the Hayden-Harnett handbag collection for Target in December; get a sneak peak now!
• Flights of Fab Fashion Fancy - Flights of Fab Fashion Fancy is loving these young, easy, chic looks from Sandro-a trendy-chic Parisian brand!
• Hello, Lover... Shoe Daydreams - A special limited-edition collaboration between Pantone, the definitive guide to color and SeaVees, the purveyors of California casual
• In Life and In Fashion - Why I am inspired by the woman who invented the wrap dress.
• Independent Fashion Bloggers - Geek Chic: Best Tech for Fashion Bloggers
• Iole in fashion - Sex and The city...again!
• Little Black Book - Fashion Palette: a must for aspiring designers and persons hoping to make it in the fashion industry.
• Mademoiselle Robot - With Christmas approaching, it is useful to know how to wear sequins without looking like a Christmas tree!
• Or False Glitter - - Cherry Lip Lolita: youthful yet provocative beauty
• PONY RYDER - A story behind Laurel S. sign up with NY model management.
• Retro Chick - Baby it's cold outside: A Guide to buying your perfect Winter Coat.
• Shopping and Info - Shopping and Info found some great clutches that look like Angelina Jolie's from the Changeling Private Screening in London
• Some Like It Fashion - Going for Gold: The metallic look has evolved and given birth to a new trend. Some Like It Fashion discusses the merits of metal within clothing.
• Style Discovery - "Transformation: Fremantle High Street Collective 2008″. Local fashion delight brought to you by Style Discovery from Perth, Western Australia.
• Style Symmetry - Eyeliah calls cream and yellow a trend to watch!
• The Bare Skinny - Hitting the Trenches to Find the Perfect Coat
• THE COVETED - Faking Confessionals...and reasons why not to do it....
• The Ongoing Project - Developing your personal style, part 3
• The Subadult Years - A personal look at the effectiveness and limitations of the eco-friendly fashion trend in Toronto.
• Your Style Star - 5 Simple Tips For Surviving Holiday Parties

I've been curling up with a few fashion books lately - D.V. by Diana Vreeland and How to Dress For Success by Hollywood costume designer, Edith Head.

When I won this book on Ebay, I thought it would be a funny read - a social shock at how much we have evolved as women when it comes to expectations of beauty and style. Ha! There are some rules that just never change. And considering Ms. Head is one of the most celebrated costume designers and stylists of our time, she ought to know a thing or two about style.

For the next 13 weeks, I will be posting the chapter summaries for each chapter of How to Dress for Success.

Tim Gunn, move over. We're about to take some style lessons from the gal that's been around the catwalk a few times.

In this chapter, Edith Head discusses how to dress appropriately for the type of job you want, but once you get to that rung in the ladder, buck the trends and be yourself. She gives a wonderful anecdote of dressing Sofia Lauren for her role as a poor housekeeper in the film Houseboat. Head says, "Believe me, this took more doing than making Olive Oyl into a sex symbol. It's harder to make a sow's ear out of a silk purse than vice versa."

Here is her Success Formula for How to Dress:

1. Decide what kind of job you really want and prepare yourself for it.
2. Decide if you are qualified for it. If not, look for one you can handle.
3. Find out the "image" of the job - how women in that field or firm look and dress. Ask someone who works there. If you don't know anyone, go at noontime or at 5 P.M. and watch the women who work there leaving. Find out the general "look" of the employees.
4. Dress carefully for your appointment in what you have found is the generally accepted look.
5. Above all, be well groomed and look like a girl or woman who would be a credit to the firm. Then do a good job!

I've got footwear on the brain. Vintage footwear. I recently came across Caroline Cox's magnificent book Vintage Shoes-Collecting and Wearing 20th Century Designer Footwear.

Booth Moore of the LA Times just did a write up on the book as well. I thumbed through it at Borders and I have to tell you, it is GORGEOUS. The images are a feast for shoe lovers.

I've also mentioned a few times that I am blogging over at Fantastic Toe Shoe Community. I have the tough job of finding beautiful vintage and vintage inspired shoes and gushing over them. What a life huh? It's a really fun site for those of us that love shoes but love our worn in footwear as much as we love fantasizing about Louboutins.

So I am thrilled to announce that Fantastic Toe is hosting a giveaway contest just for Debutante Clothing readers!

You'll win a brand new copy of Caroline Cox's book, Vintage Shoes just for showing us your shoes: real life or wishing for.

Here's what you have to do:
1. sign up for an account at FantasticToe.com and enter promo code "Debutante" in the form so we know you're entering the contest
2. if you upload images of your "collection" of shoes, you get an additional entry in the contest. they can be your real shoes or shoes you love
3. 1 picture = 1 additional chance to win, so the more pics you post, the better your chances of winning
4. post a link to your Fantastic Toe page in the comments below

That's it!

The contest will end on 11/14, so sign up! I can't wait to see everyone's footwear. I bet we can write a book of our own.

Let's play a game!
Add a funny, clever, witty, intriguing caption for this ad...

source: A Slip of a Girl

The Vintage Roadshow is back! And we're having a great time sharing vintage goodies. Check it out...

Debutante Clothing finds a vintage black dress and gives styling advice.

Freudian Slips Vintage shows off her latest favourite vintage find - a 1970's Hermes beach wrap!

The Vintage Traveler tells about those WWII Farm Girls and their Overalls

Love blogging about vintage? Join the Vintage Roadshow!

The ever lovely Stevie at LA-Story.com has "Hearted" me. What does this mean, besides the fact that I adore her in real life and apparently the feeling is mutual? It means I proudly get to wear this badge:

So what do I have to do? I have to pass on the love!

1. The nominated is allowed to put this picture on their blog.

2. Link to the person who hearted you. LA-Story.com

3. Nominate at least 7 other people and link to them.
Omiru
Gala Darling
The Coveted
Manolo Moda
Kristopher Dukes
PR Couture
Style IT

4. Leave a message on those people's blog to make them aware that they're nominated.

Part of the reason it's been so quiet here is that I am hauling half my stock over to the Pomona Antique Row in downtown Pomona, CA. I have rented a small space at the Pomona Antique Mart (formerly Robbins) on 2nd Street. I really do need to get rid of stuff that I am just too lazy to photograph and keep the goods I think Debutante Clothing customers will want -- if they're still around since I've been so bad about stocking the online store as well.

In the process of crafting a cute little tag for my antique mall items, I came across some vintage Bally posters that are so graphic and sophisticated that I had to share. I won't pretend to be an art historian, or even mildly educated in the art world -- we have Jennine of the Coveted for that. But these posters remind me of Soviet propaganda posters -- with legs!

I ended up using the red and black version, since I think she most resembles the model in my header.

What do you get when you cross a vintage, guest artists, rugged hardware and subculture appeal? Karyn Cantor fused all of these elements and more in her one of a kind collection of jewelry and accessories -- Classic Hardware.

Karyn has been the President and head designer of Classic Hardware since 1995. Her love of vintage and unique style blend into a funky, fun and conversation worthy collection of accessories for those of us that want something to the left of conservative. Although the pieces are funky, there are quite a few items that completely office ready.

Classic Hardware is so delightful, it has caught the eye of mainstream media and has been styled for various TV shows including Bones, Nip Tuck, Roller Girls, The Chris Isaak Show, Sex in the City, Friends, News Radio and Caroline in the City. Celebrities who wear Classic Hardware include Paris Hilton, Eva Mendez, Madonna (in her HOLLYWOOD video), Mandy Moore, Carmen Electra, Christina Aguilera, Hillary Duff, Jennifer Love Hewitt and singers Lucinda Williams, Neko Case, Exene of X and Jane Wiedlin of The Go-Go's.

I bought two necklaces at the Hootenanny -- one is a camelia type resin flower in black and white with a rhinestone in the center (very Chanel like) and the other is a picture box necklace with a Mexican maiden and gentleman courting. I pretend it's me and my husband. I'm not wearing them here, but you can see Julie Wanda (left) wearing the adorable heart bracelet and a complimentary necklace.

Do take a romp through the online selection and pick up a little piece of joy!

Tuesday, I posted a review of the new hairstyling book that all the vintage fashionistas are buzzing about - Vintage Hairstyling by Lauren Rennells. It is a gorgeous book that will help even the teasing comb challenged get an authentic vintage do.

And I have two special announcements:

If you would like to ask hair and makeup artist and author of Vintage Hairstyling a question, leave a comment and she'll be happy to answer it. Think of it - a free hair consultation!

And, one lucky winner will receive a brand-spankin new copy of the book (a $29.95) value. Here are the rules. Leave a comment and tell us your favorite hairstyle decade. The winner will be picked at random.

All comments need to be in by Sunday 5pm PST.

Good luck!

55 Secret Street discovers that Al Gore has joined NARS in the beauty business. Sort of...

A Few Goody GumDrops asked Jelly Belly or Yummie Tummie?

Snag a designer swimwear look for way less with Malia Mills for Martin + Osa - Stiletto Jungle.

All About the Pretty loves a legend like L'Oreal

Allie is Wired asks, "Did Kirsten Dunst steal Drew Barrymore's boyfriend?"

Bag Bliss reviews the Yves Saint Laurent Y-Mail Continental Wallet

Check out the punk rock elegance of YSL Muse clutch - Bag Snob.

Catch the sneak peek at organic beauty care from Bamford at Beauty Snob!

A little naughty and a little bit nice, Coquette discovers the subversively embroidered vintage gloves by Doublespeak.

Fashion, evolved is excited about the smart style of Nadia Nour!

Fashiontribes has 5 fab dresses for any occasion this summer.

I'm Not Obsessed shows you how to replicate Marc Jacobs' Ruffle Pump for less.

Kristopher eats the "Unforbidden Fruit" of Miami's South Beach.

Ladybrille interviews Stephanie Okereke Nollywood's it Girl!

Papierblog praises then rails against Project Runway Seaons 5

Quinta Trends discovers feminine and classical touch ofBoga Diseño .

Second City Style has again begun it's memorable quotes series from this season's episodes of Project Runway!

StyleBakery.com has the scoop on this summer's surprise must-have accessory: lightweight scarves.

Stylehive finds Canadian designers that hike up hemlines with must have mini dresses.

Stylenotes' latest fashion-related tech feature explores the world of chic, colorful, electronic items from earphones to cameras that would make any fashionista swoon!

SugarShock Beauty is feeding her skin from the outside in with Keri Glassman's Skin Appetit Balm Stick.

A few days from 63, Helen Mirren still has a bikini body - The Beauty Stop.

The Fashionable Housewife gives us all the juicy details of her shopping spree at The Garden State Plaza Mall in NJ!!

The Shoe Goddess finds fabulous shoes at great prices!

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.

55 Secret Street offers a few tips on How To Not Look Old (Hint: Start Young!)

A Few Goody GumDrops Visits The Met to seeSuper Heroes:Fantasy and Fashion.

Stiletto Jungle features cheap-chic summer fashion finds.

All About the Pretty has a little glimmer and shimmer for her hair with Redken's Glimmer Shimmer Treatment.

Bag Bliss has fallen for Valentino's version of the YSL Nadja Purse!

Bag Snob discovers the Parisian chic of Gerard Darel!

Beauty Snob travels in style with Ooh La Spa!

Calculatus Eliminatus praises the classic leather duffle bag and condemns Mr. Gucci's failed attempt at luggage fashion.

Cheap JAP shows you how to snag the latest in designer discounts with The Top Five Ways to Score at a Sample Sale.

Bohemian chic never looked so good with modern tye-dye fashions, says Coquette.

Fashion, Evolved shares some great indie designed pieces Found on Etsy.

In honor of the upcoming Viktor & Rolf exhibition, Fashiontribes salutes a major talent with a mini retrospective.

I'm Not Obsessed shows you how to get Nicole Kidman's Lady Like Style From Her Recent Vogue Shoot.

KRiSTOPHER is wanting, wearing, and hating DvF dresses

Ladybrille says get ready for a star studded Nigeria Entertainment Awards 2008!

My Fashion Life takes a look at this season's key sunglasses.

Papierblog goes to Chicago to view the SAIC Runway fashion show can comes back with photos.

Quinta Trends talks to Mexican designer Paola Hernández about her career and her participation in the Mexico Fashion Week .

Second City Style feels your pain and finds two smashing Sex in the City outfits for a bit less.

StyleBakery likes short shorts - find out their favorites and how to work the trend

Stylehive shows you 10 Bridesmaid Dresses you'll actually want to wear again!

SugarShock Beauty is loving the humble bar soap again, courtesy of Mor's gorgeously crafted Moroccan Mint Soap.

Sxy Fashion Queen has spotted some really heavenly celebrity shoes.

The Coveted wonders if she really needs another vibrator in her purse.

The Shoe Goddess finds the perfect Fendi pump and dress for fall!

V-Style Shows You Wear to Get Carrie's Studded Belt From the Sex And The City Movie.

WE LOVE BEAUTY.com wants you to Beat the Heat with our favorite summertime product picks for poolside beauty!

That Crosby Noricks of PR Couture -- she knows all the cool people. Go check out her interview with Stephanie J of NEET magazine and get your vintage, indie, crafty, style fix.

A few months ago, a reader emailed and asked about tutorials for vintage hairstyles. I came across more great video tutorials collected by Miss Pumpkin.

The young woman doing the Rosie the Riveter style has the most amazing hair! I'm jealous at the massive amount of locks.

Which is your favorite look? Do you have a link to a great vintage hair tutorial? Share!

Photo: Jupiter Images

Mothers and daughters share their love for the fun prints of Marimekko.

Dandelion vintage plays stylist mixing vintage and modern fashions on Polyvore-check out the Asian number!!

Plain Jayne shares her girl crush on Zooey Deschanel

PR Couture invites us to make fashion history by voting in the Manhattan Fashion Walk of Fame

Artist Evelyn Black honors Journalist, style maven and entrepreneur (oh and my role model) Rose Apodaca with an original piece of art.

This post is about 48 hours late. Sorry.

Here's a list of amusing links that caught my eye.

Vintage fabric is spun into rosettes on real stems for a chic wedding accessory.

You're not a Yuppie-too cool. But you're not a hipster-too old. So what are you? A Yarpie?

My husband has gone back to school and it's given me the intellectual bug. Gala had me covered in the appropriate college co-ed ensemble.

Liebe Marlene tries on the new Jovovich-Hawk collection for Target. She looks adorable.

One of my favorite vintage style mavens, Beth of The Vintage Society, was interviewed by Maya Singer for Style.com. Beth was chosen by OC brand Quicksilver as a candidate for their new mentorship and sponsorship program.

Quicksilver will be helping Beth realize her dreams in fashion and writing but providing her a work space and I imagine funding to work on her projects.

Congrats! Any time a vintage girl gets recognized by mainstream fashion a vintage angel gets a used set of stylish and wearable wings.

Vintage Indie, one of my new favorite blogs, is having a virtual vintage swap to honor Spring. In order to participate, I have to answer the following questions and link back. It sounds like fun, so here we go:

a.What's your favorite part of spring?
warmer weather, sandals, dresses, flowers blooming

b. What are your favorite flowers?
roses, calla lilies

c. What types of hobbies/crafts do you enjoy?
writing, collecting vintage clothing, researching fashion history, cooking

d. What types of vintage do you collect or look for?
dresses with great patterns, great wearable shoes, plastic jewelry, designer

e. Any allergies or things that you absolutely can't stand?
allergic to all cow products, except leather, most hand soaps

Go participate! You might get some good stuff.

the Coveted shares an amazing video interview with real life treasure hunter, Liz of the Goods

The Vintage Society has gone from a dream to reality. She will be involved with Quicksilver as they sponsor her in making her dreams come true. Congrats!

Vintage Workshop® Milano to Present Two Vintage Fashion Exhibitions-
a huge vintage fashion workshop including displays of vintage clothing from the 20s through the 80s will take place in Milan, February 12-13 and the second installation will take place in March. The exhibition will include accessories, garments and a large collection of fashion books, some very difficult to find.

Ever wish you could put a favorite image onto a dress or T shirt? Vintage Indie shares a fantastic DIY project on how to make image transfers in your own kitchen.

Specialist Auctions goes toe to toe with eBay after yet another increase in sales fees. Check out the press release.

I just discovered a really neat new site for women. Part of what makes blogs and video blogs so addicting is that not only are you feeding your mind with knowledge, you are also getting a personal sense of the deliverer of that knowledge.

Capessa offers a whole slew of content in various formats: forums, blog pots and videos. The content is interesting but best of all, it's written and told by real women.

I thought you would like this video about an innovative designer who recreates party and wedding dresses using pieces of old and vintage dresses, jewelry and accessories, including hats. I just hope she didn't chop up good, wearable vintage. Shudder.

I completely admire and read Lulu's Vintage Blog on a daily basis.

Anne, the fashionable proprietress of the blog/store has such great taste which is evident in her blog choices and inventory. She interviewed herself for her Style Council column.

"I like the feminine details of the Edwardian era, the beading and other decorative details of the 1920's, the bias cut sleek gowns of the 1930's, the cute rayon prints of the 1940's and the full skirted look of the 1950's."

Check out the rest of the interview and be sure to bookmark the site. It's a must read for vintage lovers.

If you saw Project Runway last night, you know that Jack had to leave because he had a really bad staph infection on his face and needed treatment.

I was really sad because I think he is so cute and sweet. But no worries, because you can get a sweet Jack fix right now. Jennifer Beals has got nothing on Jack.

I peed a little.

A few months ago at Ms. Jen's abode, we discussed our hatred of tap water and our fondness of yummy Fiji water. Water does have a taste. And people who don't care about drinking cloudy water from their faucet will argue about the pretentiousness of bottled water. Especially when it come in pretty bottles.

The first time I tried Fiji was because I was so damned attracted to it's seductive container-that unique cushion shaped body and the exotic foliage on the label. I was hooked immediately. I had no idea if it was spring water or bottled in Downey, CA. I was willing to try. And you know what? Fiji is some damned good water! It's soft, fresh, and
it has a definite taste.

And last night, I was seduced again. This time by a Norwegian beauty named Voss. The clear plastic cylinder is pure modern design. I love the wide top because it was so much easier to open. And I love the vertical text of the logo and the type of water the bottle contains-in this case, still. And the taste is "incomparable" as the bottle clearly promises. Voss made good on that promise.

I am convinced that pretty water bottles contain yummy water. I'm going to trust my new theory because I never buy ugly.

Even cuter than pink cup cakes, Bake Sale Designs offers a selection of delectable goodies, hand made with a touch of vintage.

Rebecca McCoy, the crafty cookie behind Bake Sale Designs, has been sewing since she was a kid. She's picked up some skills along the way which have helped her grow into the creative business she has today.

My favorite pieces are the bangle bags, pins and chokers. All of the pieces in the collection come from vintage, found or recycled materials. Being 'green" doesn't mean un-cute!

I asked Rebecca a few questions about her designs:

Debutante Clothing: Which are your favorite pieces or best sellers?

Bake Sale Designs: I really like both my bangle bag design (ed. note-us too!) as well as the fabric flower pins. The pins are a lot of fun. It’s kind of like making origami only with fabric. The patterns on the fabric really change once each tiny piece is folded. It’s amazing how it can really change the look of it. The centerpieces are vintage earrings or buttons. Pairing each flower with a centerpiece also give an overall look to the pin.

DC: Where do you find inspiration?

BSD: The fabric itself often inspires me. I might see a vintage dress and just know I need to make bags from it. The crafting community and fabric/pattern designers also continually inspire me. The internet allows me to check in on people’s blogs and photo sharing sites for quick inspiration.

DC: Why vintage?

There are so many great vintage fabrics out there in the form of curtains, clothing, bedding, table clothes, etc. I love being able to take those amazing patterns and fabric and give them new life. For me there is also an element of “green” to it. I like the recycling aspect. I’ve taken old tablecloths that have certainly seen better days and would probably end up in the trash if I didn’t rescue pieces that are still gorgeous and turn them into bags that people fall in love with. I also love using vintage buttons. They seem to have more character than a lot of buttons now. And there’s always that thrill I get when I find great buttons in a huge jar of them.

DC: What are your future plans for Bake Sale Designs?

I strive to use more and more vintage and recycled material as much as I can. I don’t want to use so much that the integrity and quality of the piece if diminished, but I use what I can. I also want to learn more. I recently got a serger of my own and I’m finding out what a powerful machine it can be. I still don’t know how to knit so there is so much I want to learn and continue to incorporate into Bake Sale Designs.

Please check out BakeSaleDesigns.com. There's a HUGE sale going on!

The Business of Fashion has a great video up in which leading fashion journalists give their opinion about blogging and fashion bloggers.

It's very interesting to see which journalists embrace blogging and which ones see it as a joke. But the more critical comments are valid. I need to sharpen up my writing skills!

I haven't posted all week. but to make up for it, here's a fun little newsreel on 1940s fashions. Catty little ladies enjoying girl time at the club and admiring each other's frocks. Check out the black and white espadrilles-drool!

Why don't we see this type of fashion marketing and PR anymore? It's simple, straightforward, no psychology behind it. You see ladies in beautiful clothing and you want to buy them. There are no celebrities, no movie stars or socialites in the reel.

This is a newsreel promoting rayon endorsed by a company named Bemberg, "the artistrocrat of man made yearns". I am intrigued by the International Stylist Tobé!

Enjoy!

Last Friday, I posted a cropped version of this vintage ad.

Red Pony Vintage was right on! Congrats.

I'll be back next Friday with a new ad for us to have fun with.

Last Friday, I posted a cropped version of this vintage ad.

Red Pony Vintage was right on! Congrats.

I'll be back next Friday with a new ad for us to have fun with.

I haven't posted anything for a while, so I thought I'd get back into the blogging game by rekindling a game. Guess the product that is being sold in this ad and leave a comment! I will announce the winner next Friday.

I haven't posted anything for a while, so I thought I'd get back into the blogging game by rekindling a game. Guess the product that is being sold in this ad and leave a comment! I will announce the winner next Friday.

Look what I made at Freddy & Ma. You get to choose your own style of bag, patterns, leather trim and hardware. Totally customized. Totally fun.

Look what I made at Freddy & Ma. You get to choose your own style of bag, patterns, leather trim and hardware. Totally customized. Totally fun.

Hell Kitty! Cute and Big! This one's for you Fashion Kitty and DJ Wanda

Hell Kitty! Cute and Big! This one's for you Fashion Kitty and DJ Wanda

A while back, I received Maureen Marsh's hilarious book, 70s Fashion Fiascos. it is chock full of amazingly funny pictures and commentary on what was really worn of us common folk in the happening 1970s.

Maureen is insanely witty, and we have the distinct pleasure of picking her brain for an exclusive interview. Enjoy!

Continue reading "70s Fashion Fiascos - a vintage clothing study by Maureen Marh"

A while back, I received Maureen Marsh's hilarious book, 70s Fashion Fiascos. it is chock full of amazingly funny pictures and commentary on what was really worn of us common folk in the happening 1970s.

Maureen is insanely witty, and we have the distinct pleasure of picking her brain for an exclusive interview. Enjoy!

Continue reading "70s Fashion Fiascos - a vintage clothing study by Maureen Marh"

Check out the Style.com video by the Sartorialist (my fashion blog obsession) which gives a peek into Cameron Silver's (of vintage couture store) perfect mid century crib, surrounded by the daddy of all luxe, Hermes. Hermes everything, including his pooch's pillow and leash. Lucky dog.

Check out the Style.com video by the Sartorialist (my fashion blog obsession) which gives a peek into Cameron Silver's (of vintage couture store) perfect mid century crib, surrounded by the daddy of all luxe, Hermes. Hermes everything, including his pooch's pillow and leash. Lucky dog.

I have never blogged about a pattern, but I had to tell you about this little beauty. This pattern by Advance was an Edith Head creation. I love the super long neck tie, belted. It's so chic and sort of dominatrix at the same time. It reminds me of something Karl Lagerfeld would design.

I love when I find relative, wearable vintage, even if you have to make it yourself.

available at eBay. Click here for the auction.

I have never blogged about a pattern, but I had to tell you about this little beauty. This pattern by Advance was an Edith Head creation. I love the super long neck tie, belted. It's so chic and sort of dominatrix at the same time. It reminds me of something Karl Lagerfeld would design.

I love when I find relative, wearable vintage, even if you have to make it yourself.

available at eBay. Click here for the auction.

It's no secret that Jovovich-Hawk gives vintage design a nod. The design duo's quirky sense of style has made them one of the lead contenders in the model/actress/celebrity turned designer race.

But quirk cannot be created out of thin air. The personalities of the duo, Milla Jovovich and Carmen Hawk, can be seen in their cute performance on Style.com of a flapper era hot jazz number. Carmen can rock the ukulele like no one's business, and Milla has that baby doll voice that is so 1920s jazz girl, it's transporting.

Some of my other favorite bands that play a number of early jazz tunes are The Asylum Street Spankers from Austin and The Squirrel Nut Zippers. The Asylum Street Spankers are a real treat to see live because they are 100% acoustic.

It's no secret that Jovovich-Hawk gives vintage design a nod. The design duo's quirky sense of style has made them one of the lead contenders in the model/actress/celebrity turned designer race.

But quirk cannot be created out of thin air. The personalities of the duo, Milla Jovovich and Carmen Hawk, can be seen in their cute performance on Style.com of a flapper era hot jazz number. Carmen can rock the ukulele like no one's business, and Milla has that baby doll voice that is so 1920s jazz girl, it's transporting.

Some of my other favorite bands that play a number of early jazz tunes are The Asylum Street Spankers from Austin and The Squirrel Nut Zippers. The Asylum Street Spankers are a real treat to see live because they are 100% acoustic.

Kirsten Dunst is not one of my favorite actresses. I even went as far as not buying Vogue, because she was on the cover. Yes cute and all, but she just doesn't do anything for me. I am going to make an exception though and see Marie Antoinette. I knew nothing about Sofia Coppola's film until Betty of She's a Betty filled me in.

The website for the film is BEAUTIFUL! And the sound track is to die for. The whole theme of the movie, the soundtrack, has a very Punk Rock feel. I love the dichotomy of the regal costumes and the scandalous young queen. I think this film might just bring me over to the Kirsten side. I really hope this film wins an Oscar for Best Costume, because what is featured in the clips and the website is breath taking.

Kirsten Dunst is not one of my favorite actresses. I even went as far as not buying Vogue, because she was on the cover. Yes cute and all, but she just doesn't do anything for me. I am going to make an exception though and see Marie Antoinette. I knew nothing about Sofia Coppola's film until Betty of She's a Betty filled me in.

The website for the film is BEAUTIFUL! And the sound track is to die for. The whole theme of the movie, the soundtrack, has a very Punk Rock feel. I love the dichotomy of the regal costumes and the scandalous young queen. I think this film might just bring me over to the Kirsten side. I really hope this film wins an Oscar for Best Costume, because what is featured in the clips and the website is breath taking.

I just finished watching the second episode of Ugly Betty. I love it! As a fashionista, I get a weekly dose of over the top, raunchy fashion goodness throught he eyes of an eager, not so stylish Executive Assistant to the editor of the hotest magazine in town-Betty Suarez. Betty is played by the beautiful and talented American Ferrera, who my cousin says I resemble...

What do you think? Of course not in costume though right?

The setting is mostly the offices of Mode, a super glossy mag up in the ranks with Vogue and Glamour. There are MANY references to real life magazine publication world.

Salma Hayek is one of the executive producers of the show. The original idea for the show comes from a Mexican novella title Betty la Fea-Betty the Ugly literally. Salma didn't want it to be AS dramatic as Latin American soap operas. I think the comedy/drama is the perfect blend of over dramatic scenes and witty dialogue. Perfect for American audiences.

What pleases me most is the fact there is is such a diverse ethnic cast. Many producers have tried to do a simple cross over with Latin shows and music, which is great for American Latinos, but what about non Latinos in the US? How do they relate to the integrated culture? Do they even get it? Appreciate it? If media that appeals to Latinos is going to make it in the states, they should study Ugly Betty, because I think everyone can relate to the dynamics of this delightful show.

I just finished watching the second episode of Ugly Betty. I love it! As a fashionista, I get a weekly dose of over the top, raunchy fashion goodness throught he eyes of an eager, not so stylish Executive Assistant to the editor of the hotest magazine in town-Betty Suarez. Betty is played by the beautiful and talented American Ferrera, who my cousin says I resemble...

What do you think? Of course not in costume though right?

The setting is mostly the offices of Mode, a super glossy mag up in the ranks with Vogue and Glamour. There are MANY references to real life magazine publication world.

Salma Hayek is one of the executive producers of the show. The original idea for the show comes from a Mexican novella title Betty la Fea-Betty the Ugly literally. Salma didn't want it to be AS dramatic as Latin American soap operas. I think the comedy/drama is the perfect blend of over dramatic scenes and witty dialogue. Perfect for American audiences.

What pleases me most is the fact there is is such a diverse ethnic cast. Many producers have tried to do a simple cross over with Latin shows and music, which is great for American Latinos, but what about non Latinos in the US? How do they relate to the integrated culture? Do they even get it? Appreciate it? If media that appeals to Latinos is going to make it in the states, they should study Ugly Betty, because I think everyone can relate to the dynamics of this delightful show.

Nordstrom is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month by exhibiting the work of Hispanic illustrators and artists on their website and at selected stores. The gallery will be available from September 15 through October 16.

Nordstrom is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month by exhibiting the work of Hispanic illustrators and artists on their website and at selected stores. The gallery will be available from September 15 through October 16.

Ok, here's the deal. I borrowed this idea from the Vintage Fashion Guild. Submit your guesses on what this ad is selling through the comment link. The winner and product will be announced next Friday.

Ok, here's the deal. I borrowed this idea from the Vintage Fashion Guild. Submit your guesses on what this ad is selling through the comment link. The winner and product will be announced next Friday.

I have been planning my wedding for most of this year. While my dress is not vintage, my jewelry and other accessories are. In the mad search for the perfect pair of champagne drop pearl earrings, I found a fabulous website for women who want to fantasize about being a glamorous hollywood starlet like Marilyn Monroe and Lana Turner. The Hollywood Collection sells incredible replicas of hollywood's most glamorous acresses' jewelry collections. And they even give you a film reference to the reproduction.

I have been planning my wedding for most of this year. While my dress is not vintage, my jewelry and other accessories are. In the mad search for the perfect pair of champagne drop pearl earrings, I found a fabulous website for women who want to fantasize about being a glamorous hollywood starlet like Marilyn Monroe and Lana Turner. The Hollywood Collection sells incredible replicas of hollywood's most glamorous acresses' jewelry collections. And they even give you a film reference to the reproduction.

I love juxtaposition. New and old. Classy and trashy. Susan Domelsmith is the designer and owner of Dirty Librarian Chains and she understands what I'm talking about. Her elegantly trashy designs take jewelry that clutters my mom's jewelry box, the stuff we swore we'd never wear-gold chains- and makes them edgy and new.

Her appreciation for vintage chains helped her give new life to godl chains which she transforms into gilted pieces that are rock and roll and sexy. Piled, tweaked and slightly off kilter. These designs are a must for any vintage loving, professional, punk rock, fashionista. Go ahead, keep one foot in the corporate world, and the other in the club.

I love juxtaposition. New and old. Classy and trashy. Susan Domelsmith is the designer and owner of Dirty Librarian Chains and she understands what I'm talking about. Her elegantly trashy designs take jewelry that clutters my mom's jewelry box, the stuff we swore we'd never wear-gold chains- and makes them edgy and new.

Her appreciation for vintage chains helped her give new life to godl chains which she transforms into gilted pieces that are rock and roll and sexy. Piled, tweaked and slightly off kilter. These designs are a must for any vintage loving, professional, punk rock, fashionista. Go ahead, keep one foot in the corporate world, and the other in the club.

In November, Posh Girl of PoshGirlVintage and I went to an amazing fashion show. Jacqui Hyland was a wonderful MC. It probably helps that she is the proud granddaughter of Peggy Hunt and the daughter of Jeanette Alexander.

Jacqui shared many of her wonderful memories with me:

My family was/is so cool. My Grandmother, Peggy, was the first person to manufacture clothing in Los Angeles, she was hugely successful and wildly popular. She threw big parties at her gorgeous home and she really knew how to make friends. She was so much fun. So chic and glamorous.

Mom, Jeannette Alexander was the first person to manufacture shoulder pads and made a fortune during the war selling them to department stores all over the country. She took that money and rolled it into a very successful clothing business, just like my grandparents had, but her dresses were inexpensive little day dresses, mostly prints, they had to be inexpensive so that she wouldn't compete for any of Granny's business.

My Mother and Grandmother were based out of Los Angeles but they had showrooms in New York, Florida and Texas. They were huge in their day selling thousands upon thousands of dresses a year. They went out of business at the end of the sixties because women pretty much stopped wearing dressy dresses as much during the day and Mom didn't know anything about designing pants. Then they sort of faded into obscurity and for some unfair reason other designers who weren't as big in their day became more famous. I couldn't stand this, that my Grandmother who has started the fashion business in California had become so obscure that dealers didn't even know who I was talking about when I would ask them to keep an eye out for their dresses. Anyway times have changed big time and because I have worked tirelessly to promote them, people now know who they are, Granny more than Mom, and it's a kind of Catch 22 because I still want to collect their clothes but the prices have gone up.

The dresses in Jacqui's collection are breathtaking. Peggy Hunt was infamous for seductive yet lady-like illusion bust lines such as this one sold by The Vintage Peddler
We're glad we were able to contribute to Jacqui's collection of her fashion family history.

In November, Posh Girl of PoshGirlVintage and I went to an amazing fashion show. Jacqui Hyland was a wonderful MC. It probably helps that she is the proud granddaughter of Peggy Hunt and the daughter of Jeanette Alexander.

Jacqui shared many of her wonderful memories with me:

My family was/is so cool. My Grandmother, Peggy, was the first person to manufacture clothing in Los Angeles, she was hugely successful and wildly popular. She threw big parties at her gorgeous home and she really knew how to make friends. She was so much fun. So chic and glamorous.

Mom, Jeannette Alexander was the first person to manufacture shoulder pads and made a fortune during the war selling them to department stores all over the country. She took that money and rolled it into a very successful clothing business, just like my grandparents had, but her dresses were inexpensive little day dresses, mostly prints, they had to be inexpensive so that she wouldn't compete for any of Granny's business.

My Mother and Grandmother were based out of Los Angeles but they had showrooms in New York, Florida and Texas. They were huge in their day selling thousands upon thousands of dresses a year. They went out of business at the end of the sixties because women pretty much stopped wearing dressy dresses as much during the day and Mom didn't know anything about designing pants. Then they sort of faded into obscurity and for some unfair reason other designers who weren't as big in their day became more famous. I couldn't stand this, that my Grandmother who has started the fashion business in California had become so obscure that dealers didn't even know who I was talking about when I would ask them to keep an eye out for their dresses. Anyway times have changed big time and because I have worked tirelessly to promote them, people now know who they are, Granny more than Mom, and it's a kind of Catch 22 because I still want to collect their clothes but the prices have gone up.

The dresses in Jacqui's collection are breathtaking. Peggy Hunt was infamous for seductive yet lady-like illusion bust lines such as this one sold by The Vintage Peddler
We're glad we were able to contribute to Jacqui's collection of her fashion family history.

Ah, the right date, the right hairstyle, and of course the right dress. These key ingredients make up the pinnacle of every high school girl's social calendar-prom. But who wants to wear the same dress that everyone else bought at Judy's, uh, I mean Macy's? Sorry. Flashback. Fashionable young women are now being turned on to vintage clothing and party dresses. Probably thanks to fashion icons like Gwen Stefani, Maggie Gyllenhal, and the blonde chick on One Tree Hill.

Dresses like this can be found on eBay for a very decent price.

The best part of wearing vintage to prom is that no one will EVER have a dress like yours, it will be relatively cheap, and no matter how drunk your date gets, you will still feel like a princess.

Ah, the right date, the right hairstyle, and of course the right dress. These key ingredients make up the pinnacle of every high school girl's social calendar-prom. But who wants to wear the same dress that everyone else bought at Judy's, uh, I mean Macy's? Sorry. Flashback. Fashionable young women are now being turned on to vintage clothing and party dresses. Probably thanks to fashion icons like Gwen Stefani, Maggie Gyllenhal, and the blonde chick on One Tree Hill.

Dresses like this can be found on eBay for a very decent price.

The best part of wearing vintage to prom is that no one will EVER have a dress like yours, it will be relatively cheap, and no matter how drunk your date gets, you will still feel like a princess.

I have a new addiction. This pesky little drug is called VPOD. Vintage Pick of the Day. Mary Kincaid is the awesome blog-her of Zuburbia. Mary scours the internet, although I'm sure she has an extensive database, for precious vintage gems. But for those of us in the know-we knew to sign up for her newsletter-we get first dibs on where to find the featured beauties. Otherwise, you have to come back the next day for the name of the online store to be revealed.

I'm almost afraid to give this vintage insider's secret away.

I have a new addiction. This pesky little drug is called VPOD. Vintage Pick of the Day. Mary Kincaid is the awesome blog-her of Zuburbia. Mary scours the internet, although I'm sure she has an extensive database, for precious vintage gems. But for those of us in the know-we knew to sign up for her newsletter-we get first dibs on where to find the featured beauties. Otherwise, you have to come back the next day for the name of the online store to be revealed.

I'm almost afraid to give this vintage insider's secret away.

Poor Reese. Great choice of dress, too bad Kirsten Dunst wore it 3 years ago. Reese Witherspoon wore a vitnage Chanel dress to the 63 annual Golden Globe Awards. It turns out Kirsten wore the same dress in 2003! This is why you should buy it ladies! (Photo "© HFPA" and "63rd Golden Globe Awards®")

Poor Reese. Great choice of dress, too bad Kirsten Dunst wore it 3 years ago. Reese Witherspoon wore a vitnage Chanel dress to the 63 annual Golden Globe Awards. It turns out Kirsten wore the same dress in 2003! This is why you should buy it ladies! (Photo "© HFPA" and "63rd Golden Globe Awards®")

Yesterday, I was on a mission to buy something to read other than my eMac screen. I went to Barnes & Noble and found Alligators, Old Mink & New Money by Allison & Melissa Houte in the Collectibles section. I read something about the book on Ebay. A book about vintage clothing and thrift store scores? SOLD!

Allison Houte is the owner of Hooti Couture, a vintage boutique in Brooklyn, New York. She was a model for a decade and then realized her dream of selling something she wasn't wearing in front of a camera-vintage. A life long thrift store junkie, she shares her experiences with and fondness for vintage clothing that actually grew from emarrassment of wearing second hand clothes to school.

This book was a great light read. I laughed quite a few times at the familiar upbringing of these two fashionable sisters. I think it's the thread that ties all us vintage lovers together-finding the diamond in the rough. These women are my vintage kindred spirits. I most highly recommend this book to anyone who loves quality, fashion and the thrill of the hunt!

Yesterday, I was on a mission to buy something to read other than my eMac screen. I went to Barnes & Noble and found Alligators, Old Mink & New Money by Allison & Melissa Houte in the Collectibles section. I read something about the book on Ebay. A book about vintage clothing and thrift store scores? SOLD!

Allison Houte is the owner of Hooti Couture, a vintage boutique in Brooklyn, New York. She was a model for a decade and then realized her dream of selling something she wasn't wearing in front of a camera-vintage. A life long thrift store junkie, she shares her experiences with and fondness for vintage clothing that actually grew from emarrassment of wearing second hand clothes to school.

This book was a great light read. I laughed quite a few times at the familiar upbringing of these two fashionable sisters. I think it's the thread that ties all us vintage lovers together-finding the diamond in the rough. These women are my vintage kindred spirits. I most highly recommend this book to anyone who loves quality, fashion and the thrill of the hunt!

I just discovered a new blog that I adore! Style Bytes is a smart and well designed blog about fasion and style. I was immediately drawn to the choices of designers featured on this site. I also love the pics of stylish women on the streets. From desiger collections to tips on vintage clothing and flea market finds, this blogger has cat walked her way into my bookmarks. You should bookmark it too!

I just discovered a new blog that I adore! Style Bytes is a smart and well designed blog about fasion and style. I was immediately drawn to the choices of designers featured on this site. I also love the pics of stylish women on the streets. From desiger collections to tips on vintage clothing and flea market finds, this blogger has cat walked her way into my bookmarks. You should bookmark it too!

When I bought my first camera phone, my good friend Jen immediately signed me up for Flickr, a photo blog site.

Wardrobe Remix is by far the best Flickr group I have found. Fashionable men and women take daily pictures of their outifts. What you get is an ecclectic mix of people styling themselves and flashing us their outifits. Vintage is layered with thrift finds and designer goodies. My fashion glands are salivating with lust.

When I bought my first camera phone, my good friend Jen immediately signed me up for Flickr, a photo blog site.

Wardrobe Remix is by far the best Flickr group I have found. Fashionable men and women take daily pictures of their outifts. What you get is an ecclectic mix of people styling themselves and flashing us their outifits. Vintage is layered with thrift finds and designer goodies. My fashion glands are salivating with lust.