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

I acquired this chic little convertible clutch this past weekend. It's probably destined for the A Current Affair show in April. I wasn't sure about the clear plastic cover at first. it reminded me of a plastic covered sofa. But thinking about the delicate feathers, I'm glad it's there. The leather handle has a gorgeous patina and slides down and clicks into place when you want to use the clutch as a shoulder bag. Neat!

Last night's premiere of Mad Men blew my mind! Design wise, we see small examples of mid 1960s treats such as glossy white mod lamps, bright red-orange Eames for Herman Miller like office chairs. I'll be covering the fashion in another post. Don't worry.

But there was one scene with a little piece of fashion history, and I do mean little, that really made everyone in my living room jump out of their seats. The creative meeting with the Jantzen people. When Don Draper showed his ad campaign idea - a young beauty looking very much like Sally Field, wearing a bikini bottom and a suggestive banner with an equally suggestive slogan across the top - and then threw the suits out! Brilliance. Sex sells, and no one knows that more than Don Draper.

I found this little 1960s Jantzen two piece, NOT bikini because that is dirty, on Ebay and I had to share.

Leopard is the one print I can think of that can go either very tacky or very chic. The wrong hair, make up and styling can leave you look a bit Peggy Bundy. But then there is John Galliano's vision of what a chic, globe trotting woman would wear. Dior's Cruise 2010 is heavily inspired by the 1950s and 1960s with leopard prints, impeccable suits, and lady-like accessories such as multi-strand necklaces fur stoles, and structured bags bring you from the brink of tacky to the world of cruising.

This little bag has all of the necessary details to pull of this look, with a little twist. Since leopard is illegal to sell, faux leopard is the fur of choice on Ebay. But why go faux when you can go needlepoint? Nettie Rosenstein was a master of beautiful needlepoint bags. Usually done in floral patterns, this bag is a rare find. I love that the needlepoint looks almost like a pixelated pattern. Perfect for the online vintage shopper!

Dear Mr. Blahnik,

Late last year, you made your sentiments known about the platform. How could you say such a thing? Perhaps you haven't had the pleasure of gazing upon a little bundle of happiness perched atop a one inch lift. Striped with colors that remind us of summer outings. Punctuated with a whimsical bow as if introducing you to red polished toes. I'm sure these delightful 1940s platforms can change your mind, just a bit no?

available from Memphis Vintage on Ebay.com

$275 or make an offer!

Nothing says Spring like vintage floral prints. This season, every floral print under the sun seems to be on trend. For a fun, youthful twist, daisies are a wonderful alternative to predictable exotic flowers and roses. We usually associate daisies with 1960s juniors, but dotting a darker color, such as the dark gray, they add a touch of youth to a perfectly contemporary color and silhouette. Add a pair of red strappy sandals and go twirl in the sunshine.

available on Ebay.com
ends 4/9

As much as I am enjoying the 74 degree weather in Southern California right now, I know spring rains are coming. This year, I have promised myself I would cover up in style rather than resort to an unfashionable black and tan raincoat. Of course Violetville Vintage would have the perfect vintage solution!

This dark blue and light blue reversible cape is perfect for warm, rainy days where you don't want to be completely covered up, but just enough to keep your pretty floral dress dry. The contrasting shades are blue a nice change from basic black.

from Violetville Vintage/Ebay
ends April 7
$98

In my search for easy to style dresses that would go with my new killer Faryl Robin boots, I came across this little piece of silken art at Violetville Vintage. It's not what I typically picture when I think of 60s Pierre Cardin, but I love it just the same. Now I need a pair of camel colored boots to match too!

Where: Violetville Vintage on Ebay.com
How Much: $684

I love this drapey chain necklace. The little clovers remind me of Van Cleef & Arpels, but a miniscule price. I could see wearing this with a V-neck wispy thin Tshirt or with a snug knit top to work. Classy and edgy.

Available at paleodeux/Etsy.com
$48

Once in a while, i run into a friend or acquaintance that has no idea that the company Elaine from Seinfeld worked for really exists. J. Peterman is a real catalog, a real company, and yes, the copy is as witty as Elaine. And if you are a fan of vintage style, you'll love the clothing.

Men and women alike can find reproduction, vintage style fashion in every J. Peterman catalog. When I say reproduction, I don't mean cheap knock offs with modernized details. I mean that the only way you would be able to tell these garments are knew is if you inspected them for signs of age. These garments are so fantastically reproduced due to the fact that the little fashion elves at J. Peterman actually buy vintage garments in order to recreate them in large quantities.

Normally, I'm a bit miffed by such practices coming from fashion designers. But I think that I can appreciate it coming from J. Peterman because at least the company is honest about it. They don't try to take the credit for something that was created 70 years prior. Or maybe it is more palatable coming from the silver tongue that is J. Peterman...

She was part Irish.

They called her Bricktop, because of her flaming red hair.

And Ada Smith's "Bricktops" on Place Pigalle in Montmartre was the place to go.

"Bricktop" said she judged the success of a night by the number of kings in the house.

One night she had five kings and the Prince of Wales.

But Cole Porter was the only one who had a special table reserved for him.

Even when he wasn't there.

The in crowd came to hear her sing, and they came to be seen.

And if you had a dress like this, you were there too.

A little risqué just like the place you were in.

When Bricktop sang "Embraceable You," John Steinbeck told her, "You take 20 years off a man's life."

Same thing can be said for this confection of sheer magic.

1930's Vintage Black Lace Dress (No. 2584). Two layers of lace work their allure. Black lace over nude lace so you won't get arrested. Just enough shows through. Scoop neckline. V shape back. Lower-calf length. Hidden center back zipper with hook and eye. All the elegance of old lace with the easy to maneuver advantage of modern fabric. Imported.

"There's a party...where?"

Women's sizes: 2 through 18.

Color: Black lace over nude lace.

If fashion designers were rock stars, the biggest punk girl would be Elsa Schiaparelli. Most noted for her signature "shocking pink", Schiaparelli's designs in the 20s and 30s flew in the face of fashion convention. This is the woman who dared to place zippers on couture. This is the artist who designed a dress to feature a skeletal back. This is the artist who collaborated with an artist of a different medium - Salvador Dali. Schiaparelli elevated fashion to art. Surrealist art. One of her fun icons was the lobster. She created a stunning gown with a giant red lobster on the skirt.

While this week's Vintage Find is not signed, this sparkly red lobster is attributed to Elsa Schiaparelli. It has appeared in the book Miller's Costume Jewelry by Stephen Miners, but some will argue that without a signature or provenance, you have no idea if it truly is a Schiaparelli piece. I think this little lobster is so fabulous, and so Elsa, that it might not matter either way.

available at Rubylane/Sharon's Sparkles, $225

This weekend, I was admiring my friend Amanda's jumpsuit. Normally an article of clothing meant for a toddler or house painter, her jumpsuit was chic and playful at the same time. It had cuffable legs that fastened with little D rings and cute spaghetti straps. She modestly layered it with a tissue thin tank top underneath. I always covet things I can not wear. Amanda could carry the look with her tall, atheltic build. I, on the other hand, with my short stubby legs, really would look like a toddler. And a chunky one at that.

I was determined to find something that was suitable for a 30-something shorty like myself. And then I came across this adorable Campfire Girls uniform. The shorts are perfect! High waisted, narrow hip and wide legs. And check out the side buttons. I hate shorts, but I can definitely pull these off. And the matching shirt with the little burning logs adds a touch of novelty to the whole outfit.

Who wouldn't want to own a piece of feminist history?

available at DortheasCloset.com

Fashion is a form of expression right? Nothing could be truer of iconic vintage symbols to express our favorite times of the year when it comes to fashion:
Fall - autumnal leaves and flowers
Winter - holiday symbols
Spring - florals and fruit (cherries, berries)

But summer claims the most aspirational symbol of all - nautical.

For those of us not wealthy enough to be able to spend weekends on a yacht or sailboat, Violetville Vintage has got you covered. Check out this 1970s sailboat print dress and daydream of warm evenings in the marina.

Be sure to check out my latest (and slowly trickling) addition to the store: a perfectly huge sailboat for your neck. One size fits all!

And check out these great sailing themed finds at Awakened Aesthetic.

On a recent shopping trip to the Rose Bowl with the lovely Tina Poppy of Violetville Vintage, I was on a shopping mission. I was hunting for adorable cotton skirts for summer. I didn't end up finding any in my size and budget, so I hit trusty eBay.com when I stumbled across this gem.

I am a sucker for novelty prints, but not the traditional Mexican/Fiesta type prints. I feel those aren't novelty enough since I am Mexican! I really love comical, absurd prints like the whale print dress I featured a few weeks ago. This adorable print of a family at the zoo, complete with cages and balloons is so original! Who would ever think to put a zoo scene on a skirt. I love it. I need it.

available at Mill Street Vintage/Ebay.com

ends 6/19

The Sartorialist has launched his annual pictures of the people frolicking in jazz era vintage clothing at the Governor's Island. I look forward to these pictures every year. Everyone always looks so happy, dancing and flirting for the camera. I especially love the image of the girl doing a back flip and the hot young man smoking a cigarette.

The photographs inspired me to find a pretty 1920s dress that can be worn out or to the park for a day of dancing. I love the poppy flower at the hip and the layers of lace on the skirt. This dress makes me think of long cool drinks at someone's outdoor party. So pretty.

There are many icons and themes we associate with summer. Nautical being one of the most vintage influenced. If you really want to buck trends, take the sea faring icons a step further. Take it to the deep sea level.

This week's vintage find is a very unique 1950s print dress. Whales! Adorable, atomic whales. I've never seen such a print, but I absolutely adore it. What wit. What humor. This beats anchors and stars any day of the week. But it Now because the chances of you seeing another like this dress are one in a million.

So, this is a shameless plug. This week's vintage find is actually from Debutante Clothing's very own shop! It's been so long since I actually spent time prepping inventory and offering it you. I'm not sure if I am suffering from gluttony, hoarding, or lack of time. Whatever it is, it's time to open up the vaults and share.

Ever since I started the blog, writing about my beloved vintage has taken on a life of its own. I love it, but I think it's time to find my vintage treasures new, loving homes. I will be uploading a few items a week for your vintage shopping pleasure.

This particular necklace is one of my faves, and I kind of hate to see it go. It reminds me of the Missoni necklace I featured a couple months ago. Modernist geometric shapes make such a strong statement.

Enjoy!

A Vintage Dress Brigitte Bardot Would Approve Of

There is only one other vintage pattern besides florals that screams summer for me. Gingham. In 1959, a gorgeous little French girl single handedly put the sweet little checks on the fashion radar. Brigitte Bardot was married to Jacques Charrier in the pink and white gingham dress designed by Jacques Esterel. The pattern was an excellent choice for Brigitte. She made sweet look sexy. After her daring choice for nuptial dress, women all over the world were willing to wear such a domestic looking pattern.

Although this week's vintage find is not pink, I think Brigitte Bardot would approve of this black and white alternative. While the A line skirt and innocent checks make this a perfect choice for a daytime outing, the neckline is what makes me swoon. The suggestive neck and bust lines are pushing the threshold of cuteness and tip toeing into the realm of bombshell. Not too sweet, not too sexy. And isn't leaving something to the imagination even more seductive than giving it all up? This dress has Brigitte written all over it.

The weather is warming up and I am itching to find some adorable summer dresses. This summer, I have have made a resolution to dress up in the prettiest vintage dresses I can find, at the risk of being a tad overdressed.

I don't wear shorts - my short, stubby legs look ridiculous in them. Although I do love 1940s rompers because they tend to create a long line and show off my waist. Skirts and dresses are a much better alternative for me though if I want to stay cool and dry. I would love to find vintage dresses that I could dress down with a cute pair of sandals and dress up with a killer wedge heel. So when I came across this jewel toned 1950s floral dress, I was thrilled. The darker colors are perfect for day to night needs. The flowers are abstract and chic versus cutesy and predictable. It meets all of my summer o' dresses criteria and even has the added bonus of an interesting bust line. One down, many vintage dresses to go.

What are your vintage musts this summer?

I've noticed several things about my taste:

1. I love pink.

2. I love to wear trends, but after they have already past.

3. I love flamboyant details.

4. I'm in a 60s phase.

The hot pink hottie is a delightful little morsel. It's looks like a confection more than a designer dress. And who is Malcolm Starr? According to the Vintage Fashion Guild:

Malcolm Starr made a popular line of evening dresses from the early 1960s through the 1970s. A Malcolm Starr dress was commonly a sculptural and simple shift dress which was elaborately beaded and sequined. The company also made day attire, in the form of dress and coat or jacket sets. By the end of the 1970s, they were also making separates.

Two designer names associated with Malcolm Starr are Youssef Rizkallah, who joined Starr in 1969 and was there until 1975, and Elinor (Rizkallah) Simmons, who had been there from the early 1960s until 1972. Also, Carol Horn was with Malcolm Starr for a brief period in the early 1970s.

1960s Malcolm Starr feathered dress

When we think of the power suit, we think of bad 1980s pant suits with enormous shoulder pads and curve minimizing lines. God forbid you have smarts, business sense, and a figure. How did we go from the body skimming, work appropriate pencil skirt of the 1950s to the "I need to look like a man to work with men" tragedy of the 80s?Thank goodness for Michelle Obama. She's bringing the sexy back to power dressing. Her signature arm baring, sheath dresses have really made us rethink femininity, style and power dressing.

Which brings me to this week's Vintage Find!

The structured jacket looks just as fresh today with its side buttons and funnel collar. The slight A line shirt makes this sheath flattering for all shapes.

I always find early vintage Christian Dior pieces a mystery. The house of Dior was always so fashion forward that you can often mistake a 1950s Christian Dior for a 1960s. Of course the most iconic silhouette is the New Look, but Christian Dior introduced a new silhouette each season, including the A line in 1955. It's hard to say if this suit is a cutting edge late 1950s - early 1960s suit, which would make it an Yves Saint Laurent design (1958-1960), or a very chic 1960s suit which would make it a Mark Bohan (1960-1989) creation. Either way, you know you have purchased a classic and quality garment when it looks just as chic 50 years ago as it does today. I imagine Mrs. Obama, being a vintage connoisseur herself, would love this suit.

available on Ebay.com
ends 4/26

This totally important designer. Cher called it. The quintessential body conscious designer put slinky dresses on the fashion map. According to the Vintage Fashion Guild label resource, "Azzedine Alaïa opened his ready-to-wear business in Paris in 1980, after having worked at Mugler, Guy Laroche, and Dior. He is known for his work in knits and Lycra, especially that done in the mid 1980s. His designs were generally made from black or dark solid colors, and his dresses were tight, showing off every curve. Many feature a deeply scooped back. Alaïa still designs, and is based in Paris."

The neckline on this dress is what intrigues me most. It reminds me of the neckline on Roland Mouret's Galaxy dress.With a fit this tight, you better be in tip top shape to sport vintage Alaia. Thank goodness for Spanx!

It's prom season. This time, every year, I get a little nostalgic for the times when things were simple. Career, mortgages, and economic melt downs were a foreign language. The the pressing issues on my mind were how to get my hair to fight gravity with a can of Aqua Net. But if I could go back, knowing what I know now, I would go to prom in something graceful and retro such as this 1980s illusion lace gown.

The sweet cross over neckline and pink cummerbund waist band keep this dress from looking like your mother's evening gown. A perfect party dress in which to kiss good bye the relatively innocent days of high school and say hello to young womanhood.

available on Ebay.com, $175 or make an offer
ends 5/5

When ever I sell a vintage bag, or gift a modern bag, I always drop a single penny in the bag for good fortune. I picked up this tip one year when a vendor at Viva Las Vegas told me to wait while he dropped a penny in my tooled clutch that I purchased from him. This week's Vintage Find is one giant lucky charm. This 1940s copper beaded bag is so different from other beaded evening bags. The copper beads are a refreshing alternative to traditional jet black beads. The braided handle gives this glittery box purse a touch of whimsy. Such a twist on the typical evening clutch.

available on Ebay.com
ends 4/5

I came across this stunning Missoni metal, modernist necklace on Net-a-Porter.com. Missoni has a knack for creating statement necklaces. I think I remember last season they had a collection of chunky resin necklaces, no?

Of course, I know why I am so attracted to this bold piece. It resembles classic Scandinavian modernist jewelry. In the vintage jewelry world, silver and other precious metal jewelry, especially the Finnish and Scandinavian kind, rank right up there in desirability and price with Bakelite. Modernist motifs range from free form amoebic to natural to atomic designs.

Deja-Voodoo.com always has a wonderful collection of desirable and collectible jewelry. Here are some of my faves that could have easily influenced Missoni, at a much more affordable price.

After flipping through the latest issue of Lucky magazine, I rekindled my love for tulip skirts. Tulip shaped skirts give me the fullness I covet from a spring worthy skirt without the bulk of a full skirt. While A line skirts flatter my pear shape figure best, sometimes I want a little extra oomph on my lower half. Tulip skirts do the job! I prefer fewer pleats and avoid minis.

This week's Vintage Find is a perfect cocktail dress if you are looking for a tulip shaped skirt for evening. I love the pearl straps and the cute little pearl paisley detail. Add a pair of towering sexy heels to balance out the sweetness and you have a perfect evening look for spring.

1950s Emma Domb tulip skirt dress
available on Ebay.com, BIN $165

This weekend, I went to a birthday party where scrapbooking, crafting, cupcakes, and Bellinis reined. My friend, Julie Wanda, was wearing the most fabulously glittery, sparkly rhinestone encrusted jewelry bangles in girly colors. She looked like a sparkly cupcake. I was mesmerized.

As an ode to Julie's drive to sparkle like a Vegas showgirl in the middle of the afternoon, I found this gorgeous set of pink lucite and rhinestone jewelry. Because if you're going to go girly, pink and sparkly is as girly as you can get.

One of my many vintage obsessions is lucite box purses. I used to wear them out all the time, but these days, I mostly display and admire them. Lucite purses are beautiful little sculptures that you can take with you. And just like sculpture, the more intricate the details, the more valuable the piece. Color plays an important role too. I'm partial to clear, but if you can find a red or black lucite purse, you have scored!

But finding the little gems, in mint condition is not easy. Dekonstruckted Hollywood, a California based vintage shop, is filling the need of this market by selling reproduction vintage style lucite purses.When it comes to repros, I have to admit that these are some fantastic copies. With the exception of the handle turned forward instead of across the length of the body of the purse, the new ones are dead ringers.

My favorite is the pink, pearl swirl one, but I always get a little twinge of guilt, as if I am cheating or something, when I consider reproduction.

What do you think? Yay or Nay?

So we might not be earning an Oscar, or even walking a red carpet, but we surely can own a vintage balmain dress. Vintage - the great fashion equalizer!

This week made me think of hearts, plastics, and the economy. Of course I had hearts on the brain because of St. Valentine's Day, but this year, the calendared day of love was over shadowed by fear of the crumbling economy and the letter du jour - the lay off notification.

The last time we saw this sort of economic climate was the Great Depression. While we are not technically in a depression, news of mass lay offs and plummeting stock markets are frightening. It's unbelievable, just as it was in the 1920s when everyone was sipping champagne, people were doing the Charleston till dawn, and living the Garçonne lifestyle. Then Crash!

But what did this do for fashion? Fashionistas who once donned feathers and beads had to learn to mend and reuse. Fashion became minimal and modest.

As we enter an era where we are spending only on the basics and trying to find ways to perk up our wardrobes with inexpensive details in order to save money but still look fab, I am reminded of the amazing little accessory made of the most mundane material that brought joy to frugalistas everywhere - Bakelite jewelry.  Bakelite accessories were a relatively inexpensive way to wear highly decorative and whimsical jewelry.  Bakelite was such a hit that even women with money started buying the plastic beauties.

This week's vintage find is a perfect way to bid adieu to another Valentine's Day and to welcome wonderful, colorful accessories that brought a whole generation of frugal but fashionable women joy and dazzle to a closet of basics in one of the darkest economic times in history.

Looky what I got! I just love this Roger Van S two tone purse! It looks so modern, in all senses of the word. I just saw an ad for a Kate Spade tote that looked very similar to this. But I am fortunate enough to own an original, finely crafted Roger Van S. When it comes to leather goods, you can't beat Roger Van S.

According to the mavens at Enoki World...

Who was Roger Van S? Technically a husband and wife team, Roger Van Schoyck and wife Doris, a former model, made some of the best bags in all vintage archives. Actually Roger was encouraged to take up a craft when he injured himself in the Army so he started tooling around with leather. When the savvy Mrs. put in her two cents, they created a signature collection of pigskin bags in all shapes and sizes with amazing shape and hardware.

I think I am finally coming around to accepting some, SOME, '80s into my vintage lexicon. What I don't want to accept are acid washed jeans. But I am willing to indulge in a bit of 1980s luxe or avant garde. I'm not totally ashamed of the '80s - there was a lot of great cutting edge fashion and music that was born in the '80s. Mostly, I think my aversion stems from the fact that a decade I was witness to is now becoming vintage with the young fashionistas. I'm feeling a bit old.

This week's vintage find is a jacket I would not mind wearing though. This tux-like little jacket  looks a bit avant garde, a bit glam with a touch of 1930s vamp. The fox fur details at the shoulders make this jacket smolder. It's a tad femme fatale no? But if I were to wear something like this, would the youngsters get the irony? Or would they think I'm just dated?

After reading the juicy rumor that Janie Bryant, the costume designer of Mad Men, might be designing her own line, the search frenzy for bombshell wiggle dresses ensued. I'm particularly interested in bright, sexy colors with details that will accentuate my assets. And in my world, hips and ass-ets are hot commodities!

This week's vintage find has everything I am looking for - a seductive V neckline, bold color, and figure flattering petals that hug the hips, giving the illusion of an tiny waist. Joan Holloway, eat your heart out.

As we enter February, it makes me wish I would've taken advantage of the holiday season to dress up in fancy frocks. But come to think of it, why do we have to wait for special holidays to dress up? Why can't we dress "black tie" for any old evening?

With our new administration, namely our stylish First Lady, I have high hopes for a new trend in fashion - dressing well at all times.

This week's Vintage Find is a chic little dress, reminiscent of a man's tuxedo. This time, the bow tie has made it's way down to below the bust. A much prettier location than below the chin I think.

One of my favorite bloggers is Miss Karen of I'm Not Anti-Social. Not only is she adorable, but she has gone from a 1920s flapper darling to a 1960s mod girl in the blink of an eye (and a trim of the bob).

I posted a comment on her blog, or it may have been mine, not really sure, about the commonalities between the 1920s and the 1960s in terms of style and women's issues. The 1920s were such a liberating time for women - short hair, short hemlines, partying, and much to the dismay of the previous generation, "liberal" values. And as history often repeats itself, the mod girl of the 1960s went through another liberating metamorphosis. Gone were the days of the wasp waist and full skirt - this modern girl wore knee baring, and often thigh baring, skirts, severe Sassoon bobs were in vogue, and she entered the workforce - by choice!

So it makes perfect sense that this week's Vintage Find comes from the 1960s, but pays homage to the original liberal girl with this killer flapper girl print bodice. I could see wearing this little dress anywhere - party, shopping, a speak easy, a poetry reading.

Huge statement and bib style necklaces were seen all over the red carpet at the 2009 Golden Globes. But big, chest covering necklaces are not a new concept. Bib necklaces such as the one Beyonce Knowles wore, can be traced to ancient times.

This week's Vintage Find is definitely a statement piece. White, metallic pierced curves and tear drops form a perfectly intricate bib that combines edge with elegance that even us non-celebrities can pull off.

So how can one wear this trend? Choose metals, keep the outfit simple, and be ready for attention!

Boot shopping is quite a chore for me. I am 5'0" and have short legs. However, it seems I have the muscle mass of a normal sized person because getting any tall boots to zip up above my calves is rare. So when I saw these gorgeous 1960s black and white boots, I sighed in disappointment knowing my poor little stubby legs would never be clocked in two tone leather goodness.

available on Ebay.com
ends 1/9

I'm always on the hunt for vintage clothing basics. Especially separates that feature some of my fave details - polka dots, stripes and bows. In fact, my mother teases me because I don't veer from these patterns often; except in spring when I add florals to the mix.

So imagine my delight when I found this adorable vintage Sonia Rykiel sweater! The muted stripes keeps it looking super modern, but the adorable bow and clingy cut gives it the right amount of vintage flair. I love this sweater because it is work and weekend ready. And since it is made by Sonia Rykiel, the queen of knits, I know it will last forever.

Viva La Velvet

I have a love/hate relationship with velvet. I love its soft texture and warmth, but if you're not careful, you can look like a psychedelic Christmas tree skirt. I hate to admit this, but I did once own a pair of velvet leggings. Don't ask.

Just like cashmere, you have your low and high end velvets. Vintage velvet tends to be made of silk which gives it a nicer texture, but it can also be made of cotton or other fibers. You have to be careful when dry cleaning velvet. As always, only trust your vintage to a trusted dry cleaner because velvets can be damaged with excessive heat.

This merry little dress runs no risk of tree skirt confusion. It does, however, run the risk of being the ultimate holiday cheer dress.

When my best friend Sonja was getting married, she needed something borrowed. I loaned her my carved, clear lucite clutch which was covered in the most brilliant rhinestones. Unfortunately, I never got it back, and I didn't have the heart to ask for it as I assumed she kept it as a momento of her big day.

Lucite purses are highly collectible and coveted. The more intricate the carving or embellishments, the more it's worth. But there is something about the simplicity of this plastic beauty that really amazes me. Perhaps it's the fact that it is crystal clear and perfect. Maybe it's the sweet floral carvings on the cover and handle. Whatever it is, plastic never looked so stunning.

available at Ebay.com - ends 12/21

In 1947, a French couturier named Christian Dior created fashion history with his "New Look". It was a far cry from the slender, long skirts of the time. The tiny waists and voluminous skirts caught the attention of every fashion critic and well heeled woman across the globe. But such cutting edge fashion did not come without a price. The "excessive amount of fabric" caused quite a stir in a time war recovery.

Dior has always been a fashion forward line. From couture to ready to wear, Dior designs pushed the fashion envelope. Take this swingy clutch coat. Because of its shortened sleeves and silhouette, I immediately thought it was a 1960s coat. However, this coat could very well be from 1954-55 when you look at this Spring 1953 coat. Dior was truly ahead of his time. Always.

available at The Vintage Clothing Gal @ Ebay.com

Lame has gotten a bad rep. When we think of gold or silver lame dresses, images of fast women smoking cigarettes and chewing gum a little too loudly. But this week's Vintage Find is nothing but a class act. This silver streak of sex appeal gives a dash of ostentation to a subdued silhouette. The woman who wears this is bold enough to wear lame, but classy enough to know it's best to leave some things to the imagination. And in a sea of black bore this NYE, do you really want to blend in to the somber color palette of the room, or do you want to welcome the new year with a glimmer of style?

BIN $69.99

As the weather cools, my wardrobe tends to turn somber, along with the weather. I find myself gravitating towards shades of gray and black. Muted, melancholy, and admittedly, rather boring. So I've decided to shop for punches of color this fall. This week's vintage find is a perfect example. The black background fulfills my need for moodiness, but the vibrant fuchsia flowers add a much welcomed touch of color. All I need are my black tights and some patent leather booties and I have the perfect outfit.

I love hats, but unfortunately, I was not blessed with a head for them. Or maybe it's my face in general. Because I am petite, I always feel that l look like a bobble head with nothing but cheeks poking out from under the brim. Which is why I love this week's vintage find.

This little cap is perfect for someone like me who has an aversion to big brims. This dainty little cap is a cross between a headband and a beanie. In fact, I would have no problem fitting this into a modern wardrobe. The best part is that the fuzzy fabric will keep my head nice and toasty during the cold California months when it dips below 60. Ha!

available at Ballyhoo Vintage $35

The designers of the 1960s really understood the whole cocktail hour. The time of the day when full party mode is too much, and "take me seriously" office knits are not enough. The cocktail dress is the perfect combination of sexy and appropriateness.

And of course, if you are getting hit on too much, you can throw on your little coat!

available at Damn Good Vintage
$200

I'm yearning for change - change in administration, change in weather, and of course this all reflects on my wardrobe. This week's Vintage Find is a perfect example of how change in society affects fashion history.

The 1920s brought change in society, economy and it all showed up in fashion. Clothes were cut slimmer and women's fashions always brought attention to the face. The rounded crushed velvet collar frames the face perfectly, while the cut away hemline give a peek of the seductive knee that ladies were exposing at the time. Shocking!

It's so rare to find vintage clothing from the 1920s that is in such great condition and perfectly wearable.

available at Dorthea's Closet, $345

It's still pretty warm out, but the evenings and wee hours of the morning are starting to feel a bit chilly. It's the nippy kind of cool that makes you feel alert and happy that winter is coming. And of course this lovely weather makes me fantasize about cuddling up with a soft little cardigan that hugs me right back.

Liebemarlene has answered my fashion pangs with this cozy little cardi, in just the right shade and made of just the right materials for fall. Mink and cashmere never go out of style, but try to convince PETA of that.

available at Ebay.com
currently $21.50

Lace, especially in black, is big for Fall 08. This is one of the few trends I can get on board with. Lace never goes out of style, not amongst the truly stylish anyway. Luckily, you can find beautiful vintage lace dresses in every shade.

When you are shopping for vintage lace clothing, be sure to inspect the garment carefully. Inevitably, there may be a snag or two, and usually they aren't noticeable so you can easily find a beautiful dress at bargain prices because of slight damage.

When shopping online, be sure to ask the seller directly if there are any holes or snags. Sometimes we can overlook minor flaws, so if perfection is important to you, ask first!

Here is an example of a vintage lace dress that looks like it just stepped off the runway. You do run a risk of looking too gothic if you go with obvious accessories. Mix it up with some unexpected fun accessories. I tend to err on the side of dark and gothic myself, so if this still looks a little witchy, try different colors such as pinks and whites.

available at the Family Vintage on Ebay
currently $16

It seems that feathers and fascinators are going to be with us for a while, and I couldn't be happier. Finally, mass consensus that eccentric glamour is always a good thing. When I saw this gorgeous vintage purse at Handbag Gallery, I thought, why should feathers be restricted to my head?

If you aren't quite eccentric enough to wear fowl bits on your head, maybe this little bag will bring you over to the eccentric side.

available at Handbag Gallery
$79.00

I love it when a LBD is two parts girly and one part naughty. This amazing body hugging dress is the epitome of the Audrey look and it doesn't get much better than a perfectly sized bow resting right on the girls. But the part I love the most is that this bow is actually just barely concealing, because if you look right beneath - well you get quite the little peep through that peep hole!

available at Dorthea's Closet
$185

Groovy goulie good times shall be had in this sexy Halloween black widow dress. I love the spider web sheer inset on the back. So much better than slutty nurses and french maids, don't you think?

available at Etsy.com
$45

Maybe it's the influence of the smoky drama Mad Men, but I am seeing brocades in many fashion magazines. Done just right, a brocade can luxe, but many times you find beautiful patterns and colors on dowdy, unflattering dresses. Unless you are lucky enough to find a beauty like this...

available at Jazzboogie @ Etsy.com
$66.50

Even though California feels like muggy Florida right now, visions of fall are floating around in my mind.

Here is a perfect coat for the girl who needs to wear a bit of bling with everything from jeans to cocktail dresses. The marabou sleeves give this coat just enough softness to keep it from looking Vegas Glam.

available at the Urban Collection
$76

Chanel and Anna Sui shamelessly paid homage to the intricate era of Art Noveau and Deco with their RTW accessories for fall. It's kind of refreshing to see another decade being used as reference besides the usual suspects of the '50s and '60s. And let's face it, most designers are influenced by the past. But are these too much of a literal interpretation? What do you think?

This one is a blatant copy, unless it is indeed the same bag used as runway accoutrement.

all bags on left: Chanel, Chanel, Anna Sui
all bags on right: 1930s mesh purse, available at Jewels USA $95
1920s long chain mail purse, available at Bobby Deenes Vintage, $225
antique beaded purse, not available but an exact match, at Dorthea's Closet, $225

I have to admit that boho/hippie chic is not my style. I think I am too short to pull off long layers of miniscule floral prints and too tan to look good in earth tones. And while I love Anna Sui's modern take on the boho look, I still can't get on board personally.

Until I found this...

Metallic. Candy colors. Short skirt. And sexy. If all boho dresses looked like this, I'd snatch the patchouli right out of your hands and smoke a fashion peace pipe with Rachel Zoe.

available at Vintage-a-Peel
£175

I'm getting ready to go on a two-week international trip. I always have romantic notions of what a worldly traveler should look like. A good travel outfit should by stylish and comfortable with obvious personality.

I have been going crazy trying to find a perfect travel bag -- one that is airport safe (zips up), is adorable and can fit all of the on board necessities, but still has a ton of personality and style. Meet Ms. Pretty Travelsalot. She's an adorable jetsetter who is always ready for her next adventure.

available on ebay.com

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

After finally prying away from the images of the Dior couture show, I am torn between my obsession with anything 1920s and peplums of the 50s. Although this dress is not at all New Look as was seen at Dior, it does have the perfect length, crisp peplum that hugged hips on the runway. Granted, the peplums that Galliano created were more like body armor, and I actually loved the contrast of the ultra-feminine silhouette, but for real women, I think this green little gem is spot on.

available at Daisy Fairbanks Vintage
$159

When you think of the late Yves Saint Laurent, certain images come to mind: regular use of black models, le smoking, safari. But rarely do we think of the beautiful accoutrements that accessorized these YSL icons. Although the necklace is licensed, I feel it clearly reflects the mind and interests of Yves Saint Laurent's collections of the 1970s - bold and exotic.

available at Blonde Vintage

I love clothing with illustrations, cheeky patterns and humorous prints. The circle skirt of the 1950s really took a step into the world of novelty with adorable prints ranging from animals to foods to cultural scenes.

Take this 1950s Japanese novelty print skirt. The golden brown serves as a muted background for a bevy of flowers, streams, foliage, birds and Japanese people taking a cruise around the bay. If I wore this skirt, I think people might find me odd because i would be staring at my lap all day.

available at fast eddie's retro rags @ ebay.com
$114.99

You know you are a style icon when people will wear black because your husband died. After the death of Prince Albert in 1861, Queen Victoria decreed a 40 year mourning period which resulted in a great demand for fashionable and affordable black jewelry.

These Victorian era earrings are a perfect example of finding beauty in everything -- even in the morbid.

And with the resurrection of the "steam punk" movement, my normally mid century taste has been piqued by the prim and proper Victorians. When Ukrainian Prime Minister, Yulia Tymoshenko, looks so sharp in neo-Victorian, I'm intrigued.

earrings available at Amber's Attic
$375

The color pink conjures up images of sweetness and femininity -- everything girlie. But when you add a trim of maribou feathers, you go from demure to seductive in an instant. I imagine the lady wearing this dress as a dancer who dares to expose a glimpse of her stage props for day wear. A seductive little pink frock don't you think?

dress available at Orchid Room Vintage
$225

In the mid 1960s, a talented young man opened his very first design house in the capital of haute couture, Paris.

After working at the house of Dior, Yves Saint Laurent went on to start his own line. While many will argue that his designs weren't cutting edge, one cannot deny the quality of his designs were impeccable. He was also one of the first designers to understand the importance of Ready to Wear in terms of business and customer needs. His answer to the world of Haute Couture that was out of reach for so many was his Rive Gauche line.

In honor of Mr. Saint Laurent, this weeks Vintage Find is a beautiful blouse from the height of his career.

This 1970s ruffled, wrap blouse is indicative of his ability take a wearable staple to a new height of luxury with details such as silver lame and chiffon.

available at Vintage-a-Peel.com
£95

Vintage novelty purses are my don't-make-me-think style savers. A normally plain jane outfit is instantly lifted to great style status with one of these unique little bags.

And there seems to be a novelty bag to match every girl's personality -- global girls would love a travel inspired box bag, barflies would love cocktail themed minaudres.

But this pretty little hand painted bag from the 30s really caught my eye. A violet flower delicately painted on one of the most feminine symbols of all time -- a fan.

And this week, I am working on a very special Vintage Fashion Mix. Stay tuned to see this bag worked in to an outfit befitting one of the queens of vintage fashion and modern mixing. Can you guess who I'm talking about?

bag available at Vintage In Style - $58

I don't know if it is the state of the economy or lack of ideas, but it seems like little has changed in terms of fashion trends since last spring/summer. Of the few trends I do follow, I am most excited about the return of the feminine dress and gladiator sandals.

The one key change this season is the collision, or marriage if you will, of fashion and art. Jennine of the Coveted pointed this out so well with her discovery of a painted vintage leather bag reminiscent of the Prada and James Jean collaboration.

While on one side of the art as fashion movement we have illustration, this week I want to introduce you to a stunning bag in more of a modern art style - the splatter bag. The colors make me want to take a dip in the pool.

Nicholas Reich was a master of statement handbags. I own several myself and they are by far the most attention getting bags I own. The best part about a bag like this is that it is so modern looking, you can wear it with anything in your wardrobe.

available at Unique Boutique NYC
$175

You may have been able to detect that I love patterns. Artistic, florals, repeated--you name it. But when I saw this little summer dress at Violetville Vintage, I swooned. Letters carefully placed and a color palette so of the moment that the lines between old and modern are completely blurred. Plus the whimsical alphabet print gives me the quirk I always look for in vintage.

available at Violetville Vintage
$282

Yesterday, my husband and I met up with some friends at the Tiki Invasion event in Montclair, CA. The Tiki Invasion was an all day event at one of the only remaining drive-in in California, featuring bands, vendors, burlesque dancers, and vintage B movies when the sun went down.

I was able to dip into the Debutante Clothing closet and wore a wrap batik print skirt which was perfect for the warm weather and lawn chair sitting! Because I don't like looking too costumey, I opted for a modern bag. But I was really envious of all of the great summery woven bags the girls were carrying. So I went on an internet quest for a cute raffia bag that wasn't too novelty and was pretty enough to wear to wear with non vintage clothing.

I present the perfect raffia bag for summer:

available at old-clothes.com

I was so thrilled when I saw models walking down the runway dripping with chunky, bold plastic accessories at shows like Yves Saint Laurent and Phillip Lim. I anticipate that chunky plastic jewelery will be as big a hit in 2008 as it was in the '20s and '30s.

Chunky, clunky and beautiful plastic necklaces and bangles are the accessories of choice for Art Deco lovers. We can thank Leo H. Baekeland for creating the wonder plastic that was used in everything from radios to billiard balls. After the Depression (or "Economic Slow Down") women who wanted to cheer up an outfit wore inexpensive, but beautiful Bakelite jewelry. And the pretty little plastic baubles caught on - even rich ladies wanted an arm full of colorful bangles.

Bakelite jewelry seems to only go up in price and you can still find it at thrift stores, which goes to show how resilient the plastic is. I just found a butterscotch swirled bangle with an embedded serpentine metal ring. Score!

The vintage find for this week is a gorgeous set of butterscotch and caramel Bakelite necklace and earrings. The tortoiseshell like hearts really take this necklace the realm of fashion versus collectible. And at only $200 for the set, it's a steal!

available at JewelDiva.com