Mary Janes: Not Your Childhood Shoe

When you were a little girl if your mom was anything like mine, she tended to dress you in Mary Janes because she obsessed over how adorable you looked in them.   You on the other hand (if you were a tomboy like me) passionately disagreed.  They were uncomfortable, shiny and an accessory when brought out reminded you that with them would come a frilly dress or some ghastly floral patterned top and skirt.  Oh yeah, leggings too. And not cute leggings like kids where now-a-days, but those uncomfortable sock leggings that were made out of god knows what fabric and made you itch like hell.  I squirm when I think about it now.  I think Easter was probably the worst.  On top of the leggings, shoes and the ghastly dresses came the gloves.  White gloves may I add.  And a dinky, wide brimmed straw hat with a pink ribbon tied around it.  I unfortunately have pictures to prove it and when I see them I always ask my mom, “What were you thinking?!” To which she would reply, “What? I thought you looked so cute!” ::Cringe::

But, now as I am getting older and have started to appreciate fashion, I am finding that I am re-attracted to the shoe that I disdained so much as a child.  Sure, they are not the low heeled, patent leather abominations of my day, but the Mary Jane style is still the same.  Low cut front and a strap secured tightly around your ankle or around the lower half of your foot. Sometimes a T-strap follows behind.  Fairly basic style that can be easily manipulated into your shoe of choice; platform, heel or wedge.  Sure there are still bonafide Mary Janes out there, but when I say Mary Jane I am using using the term very loosely.  When I am looking for these I am searching for a pair of taps that fit the basic terms of the MJ, but still have their own special flair.  Check out some of these vintage MJ’s I discovered:

Check out these FABULOUS Mary Janes!
Cricket Capers	FabGabs	Salvage Life
Vintage 80s Suede Mary Janes What the Seller Says: Vintage 1980’s brown suede mankiller goth mary jane / pilgrim heels. Round toe shoes lead to a high pilgrim “T” style strap with a side buckle and finished with a shapely stacked 4″ heel.	Vintage 60s “Monkey Girl” Janes What the Seller Says: These cute, chunky heels made me want to put on a barely there mini dress and wild tights – they’re so funky and fun! Made by Sweet Steps, I love everything about them, from the carmelized color to the t-strap, and fun high heels. I think you will, too! These shoes are in very good condition. They have been worn, but remain in great shape with no issues I can find to note.	Vintage 70s Peep Toe Janes What the Seller Says: 1970’s beige leather peep toe heels with teardrop cut outs adorning the toes. Stacked heel and ankle strap. Excellent vintage, there are a lot of small scuffs and marks and the straps are a little brittle. Still very wearable.
LuckyVintage Seattle	IrisVintage Boutique	Pineapple Mint
Vintage 70s Caramel Mary Janes What the Seller Says: Vintage 1970s browned butter leather mary janes with chunky curved wood heels. round toe with raised top stitch detail, ankle strap with copper tone buckle. Chocolate brown stacked wood heel. Very good condition – they have some normal scuffing to the leather from wear and some dark smudges on the inside of one heel. not too noticeable when worn, but definitely not perfect. we LOVE them anyway!	Vintage Peep Toe Mary Janes What the Seller Says: Bright red Mary Jane style heels with a peep toe style front with cut out design. So beautiful! The heel is approximately 1/2” thick and there is a buckle to adjust the size of the strap in front. Shoe appears to be made of a leather or leather-like upper and suede in front (there is no material tag). They are in ggreat vintage condition with some small scuffs on the back heel	Vintage 80’s Two-Tone Mary Janes What the Seller Says: 1980s mary janes pumps with a 1920s/30s style. Grey and cream leather uppers. Leather soles.The maker is Anne Klein. Leather insoles and lining. Overall excellent condition. Light wear on the soles. A few tiny scuffs on the heels.
TheLovedOne	Thrush	LisaZain
Vintage Leather Mary Janes What the Seller Says: Beautiful brown leather peeptoe heels! Gold tone leather trim. Low cut peep toe at toes. Ankle strap with side buckle	Vintage 40s Suede Mary Janes What the Seller Says: Stunning vintage 1940’s rich black suede platform pinup pumps with a very tall heel and platform fronts. Buckled strap at the heel for the perfect fit. Peeptoe, slingback shape and cutouts at the toe. Excellent Condition!	Vintage Wooden “Mary Janes” What the Seller Says: blood red leather strappy platform sandals with criss cross straps over the foot, delicate ankle strap with gold toned buckle and gorgeous curved platform wood soles. foam rubber bottoms with a plastic heel tap. shoes are in good vintage condition. some wear, no flaws to report.

Greetings From the South!

Last week I dedicated my Friday Fun post to my favorite Fall/Winter print….Southwestern.  This week I thought I’d expand on that a bit and show you some of my favorite finds from some killer Etsy and Ebay Vintage shops.  Check these bad boys out:

Paramount Vintage	Omnia Wears	SparklingLotus Design
Handmade Southwest Circle Scarf What the Seller Says: i made this scarf from VINTAGE fabric with the most amazing amazing southwest navajo print with wide stripes and geometric shapes. this scarf is double sided for extra coziness and finished with a single pressed hem along the back neckline. wear long or wrap once for a chunky collar scarf!	Vintage Southwest Tapestry Bag What the Seller Says: Desert woven carpet purse with long chestnut leather link strap. Bold navajo geometric design in muted colors. Zipper closure has a fabulous gem stone & fringe fob. Faux leather interior with small zip pocket. Purse in by Marco Avane, but doesn’t have a label. Excellent condition!	Vintage Orange Turquoise Cuff What the Seller Says: Beautiful sterling silver cuff featuring an orange turquoise stone bezel set in the center on a three split shank cuff. Each side of the stone is flanked by a sterling guardian angel soldered to the top of the cuff. Hallmarked 925 on the inside. The inside of the cuff measures 6.5 inches with a 1 inch gap. Would fit a 7 inch wrist nicely.
Paramount Vintage	Bustown Modern	American Archive
Vintage Blue Suede Moccasins What the Seller Says: so cute and stylish. perfect for summer but will definitely transition into fall. beautiful suede lather in a grey blue color that will brighten up any outfit. other features include cute pointy shaped toes,rubber soles, southwest patterned insoles, and cool patterned stitching.	Vintage Turquoise Ring What the Seller Says: Killer HUGE 1970s swirled sterling silver Navajo ring. HUGE knuckle to knuckle size. Very rare design. Turquoise + coral stones. Size 8.5/9. Excellent condition.	Vintage 70s Southwestern Jacket What the Seller Says: Amazing vintage 70s hippie ethnic blanket jacket. Great mid-weight wool with bold southwestern Navajo graphics. Rare hooded style with zipper down front + two hip pockets. Interior toggle cinch for added shape at the waist. Perfectly on trend with the fall/winter season! Great vintage condition.
American Archive	Bustown Modern	Sistersofthe BlackMoon
Vintage Pendelton Sweater What the Seller Says: Killer vintage 1970s/80s Pendleton ethnic blanket sweater. Bold southwestern native Navajo graphics on front + back. Chunky navy wool knit in great vintage condition.	Vintage Blanket Jacket What the Seller Says: Amazing 1980s southwestern wool blanket coat. INCREDIBLE woven southwestern chevron design.  Medium weight. Boho dream coat. Hooded Exterior front pockets. Toggle closures.  Excellent vintage condition!	Vintage Southwestern Reversible Jacket What the Seller Says: Amazing vintage 1970’s or 80’s southwestern wool blanket coat. Unisex and reversable. Both sides adorn the same epic print in different colors. Oversized/slouchy fit. Long sleeves that have been cuffed in the photos. Deep pocket at each side. Maxi length. This is the one of the BEST southwestern coats I have ever seen. Stay warm this winter in this bad boy!

His and Hers Vintage Surf Summer

If you have been following me, you would probably know that I am completely in love with the beach.  And if you haven’t been following, then you now know it! I admit, it’s hard for me not to be since I only live a couple of blocks from it! The Beach has been worked into my daily routine of wake up, take the dog out, go to the beach and then go to work. I don’t even think about it half of the time! Which is why I probably also end up writing about it so much just because I am always around it! Isn’t that usually how it works? What you become accustomed to you reflect upon?  Or something along those lines! All I know is that I could sit on the beach all day with a good book and be the happiest, most relaxed person on Earth.  It’s only when I step off of it and enter into “real life” mode that I begin to get a bit stressed out about life’s usual evils (bills..etc).  But, it’s back to the beach the next day for quick cure!  And quick inspiration! Check out my 1970s surf inspired outfits for HIM and HER! (Fun 70s surf videos at the end!)

Hers:

How adorable is this Vintage 70s/80s Rainbow colored tank top from VacationVintage?! I am so in love with the colors and the knitted sweater-like bottom band! Items that have that thick elastic waist add so much to a garment.  They allow you to adjust the length of your top to create different looks and the elastic band ensures a comfortable hold.   Another fun feature: criss cross spaghetti straps! Also has a built in bra! Talk about an easy day at the beach!

What girl doesn’t love her cut-offs! They’re super sexy, comfortable and go with practically everything that you have in your closet!  Plus, they will NEVER go out of style.  I wonder if Tim Gunn would agree with me that these should be a staple in every gals closet? Hmmmm..probably not! But, I think my fellow beach goers would disagree with him! Seriously, check out these Levis 505 cutoff’s from deadenim. Perfect for a hot day.  Just you, your bathing suit, the beach and your cutoffs.  And perhaps a cutey under your arm…with some really nice abs….and killer arms….with a smile that could melt the sun….Yummy.  I digress! See what these cut-offs do to me!  Between the soft, shredded denim and the hot sun I have relinquished all my woes and given myself up to the power of Summer! How I love it!

How sexy your legs would look in these Vintage 70s Platform T-Strap Mary Janes from SugarShackVintage?  If your answer is drop dead gorgeous, then you would be correct!  Cutoffs and platforms are probably one of the best style combinations.  The shorts make your legs look supermodel long and the platforms help lean out your muscles, giving you some very sexy definition.  It’s a win-win situation!  And to me, these leather platforms are a definite win! With their wooden heeled bottom, intricate black stitching and simple cut-out design they make themselves hard to resist!

Color! If it has it, I want it! Just like I want these Vintage Wayfarer Sunglasses from Gpnexxus! How awesome is that bright pink color! It POPS! And those cut out hearts on the edges? Adorable! Every outfit needs a statement piece and ladies, these sunglasses would be it.  And talk about getting noticed! I guarantee you would get stopped and asked where you got your retro specs. Especially if you’re already toting around in some really cute cut-off shorts and platforms!

Girls can surf! (Diddle playing in my head as I typed that: “Anything You Can Do, I Can Do Better, I Can Do Anything Better Than You!”) And yes, we can keep up with the boys! And where I live, in order to do that, you have to have a long board.  Try and surf with a short board and forget it, you’re not catching those three foot waves.  You’re just going to be wadding around like you’re in a lap pool for hours on end! Check out this Vintage long board from GeorgePerformance ladies.  7’9″ Hobie  Positive Force board from the 70s  in good condition with no deep dings. Comes with original leash! How sick is that! You could totally catch some waves on that!

Him:

The baja is a beach classic and infinite favorite of surfers and beach goers alike.  This vintage 80s baja from CairoVintage is a prime example of a real baja: long sleeved, oversized hood and belly pocket. They’re perfect for that early crisp morning surf session, late night beach stroll or those fall/winter days where all you need is your baja and shorts. And perhaps your dog, too.  They range in a multitude of colors; thick threads tightly woven together, overlapping and blending to create the overall look of the garment.  A bit stiff until worn in they blanket you in a warm sheath, guarding your bare skin from any gust of wind blown in by the sea.  All in all, an essential garment for the beloved beach bum.

As a chick, I would undoubtedly sport these Vintage 70s Lee Shorts from Lethilogica.  I would pair it with my vintage tees and be on my way.  For you guys, I think you MIGHT look just as cute as I would in them. 🙂 I’m kidding, you would look totally awesome sporting these to the beach on your way to a surd session.  Besides being in good condition, these shorts are actually corduroy which tends to be very comfortable.  You could even wear them in the cooler months since corduroy tends to be a bit heavier than denim, providing you with a bit of warmth.  Wear with your favorite tee or vintage button down…or maybe, with nothing at all….

Yes, these Vintage Sneakers from Whatsnewonthemantel are purple (my favorite color!). But I’m telling you guys, they are kick ass! So sick! And I love a guy that isn’t afraid to sport color.  Especially those that are branded as “girl” colors. It tells me how confident and creative the guy really is.  A  total individual who isn’t afraid to have some style.  Seriously guys, girls don’t want to have to dress you.  We have enough to worry about with ourselves and you having style just makes our lives a whole lot easier! So, let your personality shine and your outfit pop! Invest in some color and maybe we’ll actually be interested.

1940s Glamour Wedding

As my family and friends are starting to give their commitment vows this year, it goes without say that I have been thinking about my own wedding.  Not that it is happening any time soon, but it’s still fun to think about what you want your wedding to be.  And from what I have been seeing from my friends weddings, the sooner you start to plan, the better! Knowing that I want to have a vintage inspired wedding, I thought it would be fun to do a post about just that! When I think about what era I would want to portray I can’t help go back to the glamorous days of the 40s, with long gowns, red lips, and movie star quality weddings. It could just be a figment of my imagination or perhaps just a dream from a movie I’ve seen, but the style of the 40s, with its luxurious silks and mysterious laced birdcage veils, defines what I would want my wedding garb to be reminiscent of. Check out what I found:

My heart stopped when I scrolled over this Stunning Vintage 1940s Satin Wedding Gown from The Trousseau. I am in total awe of its glamorous magnificence. Its elegant ivory satin will be sure to shine in wedding candlelight and as you graceful drift among your guests you will appear as royalty thanks to the lovely draped neckline.  I can imagine how beautiful (and sexy) you would feel as every curve of your body would be held snug.  A good thing to know about this dress: Thanks to its sturdy material, which is a tribute to vintage seamstresses, this dress will handle alterations extremely well.

I know that Brides now like to mix and match a bit to add some flair to their wedding, but in the 40s and in some of the more conventional weddings now, the thing is to match all the accessories you are wearing to your dress.  Which, I have to say I do like, but I also love when I see a bride dressed in white with a nice pop of color in her hair or on a ribbon around her waist.  That said, I found these amazing Vintage 1940s Wedding Shoes from BohemianBisoux that would match our gown perfectly.  Not only are they an ivory, but they are satin which makes for a seamless transition from head to toe. So if our bride shoes her feet it will look like an extension of her dress! I love that they are a sandal pump because to me, the less the shoe, the less distracting! Some condition to-knows: “The leather soles of these shoes are in beautiful, almost pristine condition. The satin on the outside has some scuffing & marks & there is a bit of glue visible at the toe box. All rhinestones are intact (though 3 are a tad tarnished).”

If I have any kind of head piece when I get married, I want something exactly like this handmade Birdcage Veil from Santanica! I have always loved this style of veil because they are so mysterious and bold and in line with that 1940’s fashion glamor that I love so much. They bring attention to the eyes, especially dark ones, when you peer through the angelic cream lace of the veil. Understated and beautiful this is perfect for any gown, especially the one picked for this post!  What the maker has to say: “It has a hand blocked buckram base that is covered in a lush cream velvet. I have carefully sculpted a rose with a crystal center and feathers and attached a half veil with beautiful crystal details. A crystal clear comb holds it in place perfectly.”

Who doesn’t love to add a little sparkle to their outfit?! And what better way to do that than with an adorable clutch! This Vintage 1940’s Sequin Evening bag from HuzzahVintage adds the perfect pop for our vintage wedding gown! I love the beautiful cream color of this bag and adore the tiny snow white sequins used to cover the entire material.  The designer of this bag did a lovely job of making the sequins have a seamless transition from one portion of fabric to the other. Otherwise, it could of came out as an eye sore!

I need a minute here so I can catch my breath! ::Minute:: I am awe-struck and speechless when it comes to this Vintage 1940’s Diamond Engagement Ring from VintageJunkGypsy.  It’s simply gorgeous and I’ve never seen a ring with this starburst shape to it and I absolutely love it! So much that I told my boyfriend about it and essentially dropped a hint that this was the kind of ring I wanted! It’s a truly a captivating one-of-a-kind beauty. Some details: “Vintage estate TRUBRITE brand ring has one 4.2mm or .30 round center diamond and twenty 1.7mm or .02 each round diamonds for a total carat weight of .70*. The diamonds are set in a swirl design in a 14K white gold mounting. The ring weighs 3.6gm, and is a resizeable 7.75.”

I thought to match the engagement ring, since it is so detailed, it would be best to find a wedding ring which did not try and compete with it. So, I stumbled upon this simple Vintage Platinum Wedding Ring from AddysVintage that would fit like charm when paired with our elaborate engagement ring.  I don’t particularily like it when I see a bride with two overly embellished rings because I feel like the two begin to oppose eachother and you loose the beauty of the adjoining jewels.  So, with something more simple you gain a flawless and lovely presentation. What the seller says: “Pretty WW II era wedding band. The inside is hallmarked Platinum. It is also engraved with the couple’s initials and a date, M.A.M to R.G. 4-13-43. The ring is plain on the outside, semi-domed, and is slightly multi-faceted.“

Check out this fun video I found that features images of vintage brides and weddings!

East Village Grunge

If you have been reading my blog for a hot minute by now, you would now know that the outfit you are about to see is probably my favorite fashion style. That is, what I am calling it, the new “East Village Grunge.” A combination of sweet, delicate fabrics against the harder nature of studs, fringe and leather. A juxtaposition between textures that you wouldn’t normally match, but end up creating a devilishly desirable outfit. Long beaded necklaces, bulky rings and colors that vary from pale pinks to the deep hues of a night sky. Who is this girl? An East village resident, a lower Manhattan dweller, a girl who doesn’t know what exists above 14th street. This would be the type of girl you would see in a dive bar drinking two dollar PBR’s or at an underground rock concert screaming against the music. A person who is unafraid in her own skin and who is willing to try new things both in life and in fashion. A vintage lover, her wardrobe exists only in the eras of the 60s, 70s and 80s. Magazines are non-existent to her unless they are as old as her. She lives on her books, feeding her imagination with as many stories as she can at one time. And, oh yeah, she would dress a little something like this..

From the moment I saw this adorable Vintage 70s Mini Dress at RamonaWest, I knew it was special! I adore this simple, high-waisted two toned mini with its easy to wear attitude and semi- sheer fabric.  You could definitely sport this to work with a structured menswear jacket or wear it at night to your favorite hang out!  Either way this dress is functional, which lets face it, in this economy that’s what we are all really going for! One piece that can be worn multiple ways and that can easily reflect your fashion mood of the day!

If there is one thing that I would never be able to get enough of, it would be the leather jacket.  And it’s not just because it’s leather, which is a weakness of mine, I admit.  It’s because there make me feel in control.  Like when I put it on no one can mess with me and I’m the biggest bad ass in town. I know that sounds ridiculous, but that’s how they make me feel!  Another thing I treasure about these black beauties (yes, they have to be black) is that they are like chamelions when it comes to your wardrobe.  They can go with anything and everything!  And I mean everything from sweet lace 50s dresses to 80s ripped acid wash jeans.  An easy classic in my mind you can see why I chose this Vintage 80s Cropped Jacket with its biker zipper details from Hipsters Playground Vintage to go with this sweet mini.  Opposites attracting to form the perfect fashion relationship.

I realize by admitting to what I am about to say may make you think less of me, but I have to tell you I have never been the one to jive with the while bootie footwear scene.  I don’t know why really.  I think that when I tried them on me I thought they made me look a little lopsided or something and I never got used to seeing myself in them. It was kind of like when you tried on skinny jeans when that first came back out and you had to get used to seeing yourself in them to not feel sort of ridiculous! But I spotted a friend of mine wearing them with a super cute mini dress and I found myself looking at them in a brand new light.  So when I was looking for a pair of kicks to feature with the already amazing mini I thought to myself, “I must search out the Bootie!” And when I found these Vintage STUDDED (YUMMY! You know I love studs!) Black Leather Booties from SoanishMoss I was so excited! How amazing do they look with this outfit! They definitely help bring it together, tying themselves in with the studded belt.  My opinion has been successfully changed as I am now in the market for some bootie beauties (say that five times fast!).

When I was a kid I refused to believe that a belt was anything more than an annoyance.  So when my stepmom tried to one day explain to me (as she dressed me in what she perceived as “cute”) that they were a fashion statement, it was no surprise that I flat out disagreed with her.  But what did I know, I was ten.  I now know better (don’t tell her, please!) and love to accessorize as many outfits as I can with belts!  They add so much personality to an outfit and can change the way it looks in a second.  In looking for something for this outfit, I wanted something a bit edgier to go with the shoes and jacket and to juxtapose with the quiet elegance of the dress.  I thought that this Vintage 80s Studded Belt from LEnfantTerrible would fit in perfectly with the ensemble.  Especially since this dress has a higher waist it’s nice to be able to hide that line by accessorizing with a belt.

Is it wrong of me to love fringe as much as I do?  A recent obsession of mine I can’t seem to get enough! I think it has something to do with that boho, hippie eclecticism that I love so dearly! Either way I am infatuated with my recent vintage find at Black Pyramid.  Check out this lightly worn 70s Southwestern Fringe Bag with star studded detailing and beading! Doesn’t it just make your heart beat! Bump Bump! I love the native feel to this bag and the worn look to the leather.  To me, leather never looks bad no matter how it expires.  It’s still crisp, raw and holds that earthy aroma it had on its first day of conception.  It ages like a fine wine, really!  And if this bag has made it through 30 yrs and still looks this good, imagine how it will look in another 30! That’s why you go vintage!

No, I am not some crazed obsessed knife junky.  I am a vintage lover looking for something a bit edgier and unique!  And what could be more unique than wearing a pocket knife around your neck?  Not only is it practical (in case you find yourself needing to carve your initials on a park bench) but it also serves as a bit of mystery; keeping those around you on their fashion toes.  Besides, is this Vintage Black Sterling Silver Knife from FigandDorothy really the nuttiest thing you’ve seen sported around or on a fashionista? I think not! The thing I love about this necklace, besides the fore-mentioned reasons, is the gorgeous pickled facade.  It appears almost like glass and is inviting to the eye rather than apprehensive.  An impressive find, this one of a kind beauty will be sure to impress your neighborhood friendly fashionista!

Brace yourselves ladies for an amazing find! Check out this AMAZING hand affixed PREHISTORIC black and white Fossil RING from LarkinandLarkin!  When I found this I swear to you my jaw dropped! This is the MOST AMAZING store and I am so happy to have found it! Have you ever seen such a ring? Its massive and a statement piece all on its own.  You could wear this with a plain tee and I would still be in awe of your outfit.  It’s powerful, magnetic and requires an extremely confident person to toil it around on their fingers. I really am at a loss for words right now.  I don’t know how to describe just how brilliant this piece of jewelry is.  All I can say is that I love it.

(LarkinandLarkin)

Freshly Dressed

It’s summer dress time ladies!! It has been so hot lately, at least where I live!, that I have been kicked into high gear in finding those perfect summer frocks! And I’m sure that you are beginning to feel the same way!  You know, you hit that point in time during the year where it becomes VERY obvious that you need to start thinking about revamping your summer wardrobe.  And, of course, nothing that you had last summer suffices! Isn’t it so frustrating?!  But, then again, the shopping can be uber fun if you know what you’re looking for.  For me, that’s vintage!  Luckily, I have a fairly decent amount of fabulous vintage shops at my disposal, so it makes it super easy to search for my summer essentials.  Take a look at a couple of vintage delights that I found! Maybe you’ll find something that you can’t live without!

I am in love with this Asymmetrical Vintage 90’s Dress from  Bustown Modern!  It helps that this black and white grunge dress has a polkadot pattern, as we all know that this circular pattern is my favorite!  So, just by the pattern it has a special place in my heart! Also, I love the way the this dress is draped and the juxtaposition between the high, clean raglan neckline and the fishtail design of the bottom half.  So sexy without being in any way obscene!  I would definitely wear this dress with a pair of Jeffrey Campbell Pixie Cut Wedges! How cute would I look?

How adorable is this Vintage 80’s Plaid Mini Dress at NoirOhio Vintage?  I love the large plaid print and especially love the cuffed sleeves.  This dress almost seems like it should of been in “Grease” being worn by the Pink Ladies! It says, “Don’t be deceived by the dress, I’m one tough chick!” Isn’t it awesome when you’re wardrobe talks for you?!  Would totally sport this with my Black Jeffrey Campbell Brit Boots or maybe even my Brown Leather Knee High Frye Boots.  And perhaps add on this Vintage Studded Leather Jacket from GirlOnAVine?  I’d say that’s one hellish outfit!

The second I saw the thumbnail of this dress on Thriftwares Ebay page, I had to click on it!  Something about the pattern immediately caught my attention and when I discovered that this Vintage 80’s Tribal Mini Dress had deep pockets, I was sold.  Not to mention the very flattering cinched waist, the high neck and the sexy peep open back that could definitely keep you a few degrees cooler than others as you strut down you neighborhood streets in mid-summer.  Pair with some vintage flats from Santoki Vintage and you’ll be good to go! Simple, yet dreadfully and irresistibly cute!

It was so hard for me to pick a favorite piece from my favorite Ebay shop TinRoof Vintage, but I think I picked a good one! This Vintage 70s Strapless Peach Dress is unique by nature and in excellent condition.  I adore the sweet nude color of this striped dress and the carefree feeling it exudes.  With an elastic waist you can be sure in the security of the garment and adorned with a belt it just ups the ante of this perfect summer dress.  For me, I would just throw on a pair of my Rainbow sandals and be on my way! No need to get crazy with footwear for a stroll on the beach!

This dress reminds me of something that Twiggy would have sported in the 1960s!  This Vintage 1960s imitation 1920s Flapper Dress at Stuck on Vintage is for the spunky and vivacious at heart.  I love the drop waist detail on a dress.  It’s just so sweet and it gives the garment such an unique and distinctive look; which is a prime reason why I love this dress.  And with its dainty multicolored stripes, this vintage dress screams for attention.  As I am sure that whoever buys this piece of loveliness will not only make heads turn with her individualistic sense of fashion, but will definitely be hearing from many a fashionistas, “Where did you get that dress?!” to which you can reply, “It’s vintage!” and chuckle to yourself, “And you can’t have it!” Isn’t it fun to be different?

I am obsessed with the poet sleeves on this Vintage Floral Boho Mini Dress at Out of a Strobe Vintage!  I just love the volume that they add to the dress and how dramatic it makes it look! (Since I am an actor, lets just say I love that drama!) The floral print on this vintage delight is also quite delectable!  I love the mix of the blues and yellows against the sheer black of the dress.  Almost gives off a pixie vibe with the mini bottom!  No need to over accessorize with this one!

A Collection of Vintage Superstars

I think the title totally says it with this one and needs no detailed explanation!  I put together, in my opinion, a pretty solid and may I say, KICK ASS collection of superb vintage shops!  These are some of my absolute favorites, all for a very specific reason: they stay true to themselves.  Not only that, but they all stick to what they are good at; which you will come to understand as you read what I love individually about each one.  So, enough of this chatter!  Get to digging! I think you are going to find some keepers in this batch of “my favorite” sellers!

I adore this super sweet vintage Ebay store! My favorite thing about them?  Amazingly hand-picked adorable dresses; one better than the next!  The definition of fun, outlined in bright colors and boldly underlined with a Boho pen!   You can definitely understand who these sellers are just by looking through all their picks.  Now, I never usually do this, but I love the way they describe their store and thought I should share it with you: At When Decades Collide, we are two sisters that are head over heels in love with EVERYTHING vintage!!! We hand-select pieces we adore from sources all across Southern California. We are smitten with everything from the beachy boho glam of the 60’s to the minimalist muted 90’s. I’ll be surprised if you haven’t already clicked on their banner!

Never in short supply of anything cute and vintage, The Kissing Tree Vintage is another Ebay favorite of mine!  Founded in 2010 KTV seems to have established a definite and permanent spot in the Vintage world with a wide range of items from the 50s-90s.  I really adore the fact that this shop has continued to surprise me with top quality vintage picks and, as mentioned, has never let its store be empty and ALWAYS has a multitude of vintage for the buyer to choose from.  Things they love : Florals. Polka Dots. High waisted skirts. Lace. Knee-high socks. Sequins. Party dresses. Rompers. More florals. Jumpsuits. Stripes. Prints. If you love any of that, then this might be the shop for you!

Santoki Vintage, an Austin based Etsy store, is one of my ABSOLUTE go-to stores for amazing vintage footwear!  Carrying some of the best vintage footwear from sandals to boots I’ve seen, this store has became a fast favorite of mine.  Their taste in vintage shoes is flawless without a doubt, but the condition of the shoes is what really makes then stand out.  Providing you with pictures of every angle, Santoki puts their customer’s minds to rest.  What you see is what you get! They are also constantly adding new items all the time and for someone like me who is always on the lookout that is definitely a plus.  They also carry some superb vintage clothing which may not come in such an abundance as their footwear, but nonetheless still are noteworthy.  Check them out before you run around crazy looking for a perfect shoe!

Jewelry Designs by Mona Abraham, an Etsy shop, is a very recent find of mine.  Actually, I can’t even take credit for finding it as the shop owner was the one to contact me via Facebook about it! And how happy I am that she did! I adore the whimsical and effortless nature of her handmade jewelry, many of which are crafted with vintage pieces.  I can just picture her romantic and dreamy beaded necklaces  being worn around the necks of women during the 20s and 30s; as they hold such an aged and mature value within their beaded and charmed chains.  Her art form and the way in which she so carefully constructs each individual piece is really just beautiful, ethereal even.  You can really see the love that she puts into her handmade gems and I’m sure that as a buyer, I would feel more than happy with a purchase from Mona Abraham.

If you are in the market for a stunning and unique vintage bag then look no further than Dandelion Daydreamer!  This Etsy shop, based out of France, holds a plethora of amazing vintage leather bags.  It’s enough to make your knees weak and heart skip like it did the first time you kissed a boy! Yes, it’s that good.  Run by an Irish chikadee who hand selects all of her beautiful vintage, Dandelion’s selection of bags ranges from your handy dandy hand bag to your business satchel to your travel luggage; which no doubt screams to be used for travels outside of your home country!  Honestly, if you asked me, I wouldn’t know which one to buy as all of their beautiful, stretched and worn leather seem to all scream at me! Dramatic, I know.  But, this is my weakness.  A good leather bag.  And while the bags, to me, are my favorite part about this shop, mind you that Dandelion does carry a fine selection of vintage dresses.  But, unfortunately, the bags tend to block this out and I find myself salivating over my computer at them! Check it out and you’ll see what I mean!

Vintage and Vintage and Vintage, Oh My!

I am happy to present to you, my lovely readers, another post about some of my favorite vintage online shops!  Again, I got such great feedback that I couldn’t deny you the knowledge of some seriously amazing shops to scavenge for vintage! What kind of selfish person would that make me if I didn’t share this information?  Isn’t one supposed to share their knowledge with others!  Imagine how lost we would all be if our teachers and confidants didn’t share?  Still curled up in a fetal position under our mother’s feet, that’s where!  And besides, why would I make my fabulous readers have to dig through Cyberland and try to painstakingly find quality vintage when I already did? Ridiculous! I love you all…so in all heartfelt sincerity, thank you for taking your time out of your busy days to stop by and as a wee little gift of gratitude, here are some of my favorite vintage shops for your vintage loving heart…

I adore BrownBagVintage, a cute Etsy shop that offers its shoppers everything vintage from tops to accessories! Beginning its journey in Los Angeles, shop owner Michelle Delgado, has been an Etsy seller since 2008! When Michelle isn’t digging for her newest vintage finds, she is actually working for Etsy on their support team in Dumbo. And as she says, “…I’m very much looking forward to helping folks with all their thises and thats!”  Awesome!  Now, the hardest part about Delgado’s cute store, choosing just ONE  item! With so many cute dresses and tops to choose from it can be quite the challenge! Good Luck!

Nullify Anew Vintage has been a favorite Etsy shop of mine since I started filling my nights with hour long searches for top notch vintage!  Carrying vintage from the 40’s-90’s, NAV prides itself on providing its customer with a range of vintage clothing.  Meaning, essentially, that any vintage lover of any style will be able to stop by and find a unique piece they cannot live without.  And seeing that I pretty much go for every kind of style there is, I’d say that mission statement was proven right!  My favorite part: The Dresses!! So many awesome styles and prints! What’s better than that is the fact that many of their vintage finds are truly one of a kind pieces (as they) are redesigned, sewn, and reborn into a brand new style all their own. Sounds awesome, right? Pretty much! This shop is a no brainer!

  Next to Tin Roof Vintage, Thriftwares and NoirOhio, Thrifted.net is perhaps one my favorite shops on Ebay!  I have never once visited this store and not found a vintage piece that I didn’t want to Twitter and check my bank account for! Every hand selected item seems special, as if this store went to the Vintage Gods and asked them to provide them with the Utopia of Vintage clothing.  Every item stands out, has a distinct personality and is definitive of the girl who picks it up.  Absoloutly special this store is; taking the time, the care, and the effort to only pick those items which define their store. And what is that definition you ask? A fashion forward, green alternative to the ever globalizing, mass produced mall brands and a unique and affordable alternative to modern couture and designer labels.  I think that says it all.

I am obsessed with ThriftWares, an Ebay based Vintage store.  Maintaining since 2004 that they “offer the finest selection on the face of the earth for fashion forward vintage clothing,” I would have to say that after combing through their vast selection, I would have to agree!  Thriftwares offers some of the most delicate, beautiful, and unique clothing that I have seen.  Their specialty seeming to be the bohemian, boho look; with laced, sheer dresses, oversized ethnic sweaters and floral printed mini dresses.  Delicious! I am so excited to see what they find next!

Sparkling Lotus Design is a new find for me and while the store isn’t packed with jewelry as of now, the things they do have are actually very lovely.  If you like stones, then you might find a couple of items here that you will adore, as I certainly have.  Some of the jewelry that you will find at SLD are handmade creations by its owner who contends that her store has been the result of (her) compulsion to create in (her) spare time. And while she does carry vintage jewelry, she hopes that her customers will find some inspiration in her personal jewelry.   I guess you’ll have to stop by and see if that is the case!

A Vintage Polka

It is common knowledge, if you have been a follower on twitter!, that I LOVE POLKA DOTS!! I don’t know what it is about them, but they are too adorable to deny!  Cheerful and coming in all colors and sizes, they bring a smile to your face and add character to any outfit and piece!  And, they come in Vintage!  How much better does it get than that? Check out some of these super cute and fun Polka-Dotted items that I found from some of my favorite shops!!

Picnic in Central Park

When I used to live in the city, my absolute number one favorite thing used to be taking my pup to Central Park.  We’d walk for HOURS on end, exploring every inch of the fascinating eco system that is the Park.  If you don’t know, Central Park isn’t just the Great Lawn and Bethesda Fountain, it contains actual forest areas where you can get lost in nature; you can’t see the streets and you’re completely surrounded by trees, rocks and waterfalls.  Yes, WATERFALLS! Not huge ones of course! Nothing you could go white water rafting on, but big enough to make you stop and watch.  Or, if you’re a pup named Bodie, try to swim in!  These journeys were especially enjoyable when my boyfriend joined us and we would have little picnics in the park.  We’d go to our local Pick a Bagel, order our usual Chicken Salad on a toasted plain bagel (everything bagel for him!), grab a Yoohoo and a Naked and walk our way to the nearest park entrance to find our usual picnic table on a hill, secluded, shaded by trees, and that housed a lovely plaque on its bench, dedicating itself to a deceased wife.   Now, we never brought a “picnic blanket” with us or an official “picnic basket,” but we scraped by with our beautiful bench and our bagel napkins.  Also, I don’t think a pleasant picnic would have ever been in order due to our highly energetic dog who has the patience level of about a three year old, but maybe one day we’ll actually be able to do it!  I imagine it would be a lot like this, plus the presence of the beau and the addition of some really fabulous vintage clothing:

How adorable is this Vintage 1960s/1970s Pink Knitted Summer Sweater at StuckOnVintage!  I adore the white floral design that doubles as a tank strap! So cute and unique!  I would defiantly wear this tucked in to a pair of high waist denim or under a cute pair of overalls!  In good condition, this one-of-a- kind tank is only $40! Not bad for a top your friends will never be able to buy!

You can make fun of me all you want, but I will still forever love high waist denim.  Not only does it give you a great shape, your tush in particular, but they just give you that straight backed, sucked in, walk with shoulders back feeling.  I mean you feel like a super hotty when you have a pair of high waist denim on!  Plus, you don’t have to wear a belt if you really don’t want to!! And for all these reasons, I love this pair of Vintage Navy Sailor High Waist Sailor Flared Jeans at Love Street Vintage!  Not to mention that the pockets are a key selling point! Such a comfy feeling to be able to put your whole hand deep in your pockets when you are having a relaxing walk.  Only $45!

These are my shoes! Well, not actually, but these are the exact type of shoes that I love to wear!  These Vintage 70s Platform Sandals from Raleigh’s Vintage are to die for and the best part about them…they have NEVER BEEN WORN! How awesome is that!  Perfect Vintage condition.  No cracks in the leather, no foot prints from a previous owner and no black scrapes on the wedge from being knocked against the ground.  This my friend, is a vintage lovers dream!  “New” Vintage shoes…still in the box!  How could someone never of worn something so cute? $70 on Etsy.

I LOVE these Vintage 80s Wayfarer Tortoise Sunglasses at Forsythia Hill! I am crazy over the bright pink color mixed with the tortoise pattern and the green lenses! Labeled 95% UVB, 60% UVA blocking these glasses are substantial, they are not “flimsy” or cheap.  These NEVER WORN sunglasses can be worn by both men and women, but lets get real, if my guy touched these puppies I would have a freak attack on him! They are too cool and too unique for anyone but me to wear!  Does that sound too selfish? A bargain for $38!

I am infatuated with any sort of jewelry that has a type of stone in it, especially turquoise. So, it’s really no surprise that when I stumbled across this Vintage Sterling Silver Turquoise Cuff that I was immediately drawn to it.  The turquoise just caught me right away merely because the color was so bright and then I also love the stamped leaf design that parades behind the stones.  Such a beautiful piece of jewelry.  $29 at Sparkling Lotus Design.

I searched and searched for the PERFECT picnic blanket and finally found one at MistyOrcutt!  This Vintage Red and White Picnic Cloth is the definition of what I picture as the quintessential picnic blanket! I mean, do you not always see cartoons or characters in children’s books eating off of something that looks exactly like this? Or have I just gone completely off the deep end? Well, either way, I think its adorable and would totally use it to have my picnic on! $27.99.

Every picnic needs some sort of picnic basket, but what about a picnic purse?  How cute would you look walking down the street with this Vintage 60s Basket Weave Purse? No one would know that you have packed away a tasty picnic and besides, who wants to lug around a huge basket anyway! So inconvenient! Especially in the city! I can just imagine myself hitting passerbys and the nasty looks they would give me.  Yep, for sanity’s sake, I think I’ll stick with the purse! $24 at Vintage Stew.

My Pup Bodie! He is not for sale!

Stuck On Vintage is actually in my shop favorites in Etsy!  Based out of LA, SOV carries a wide variety of both men and women’s vintage.  And while I adore their super cute vintage clothing, perhaps one of my favorite things that they carry are vintage  sunglasses.  They have such a variety of vintage frames varying from the 1960s round “John Lennon’s” to the big, overstated lenses of the 80s.  What’s great too is that these fabulous sunglasses are all sorts of colors and some come with colored lenses! I love it! How original!  You should defiantly stop by SOV when you have a moment to spare!!

Love Street Vintage is an Etsy Vintage shop based out of San Diego that specializes in Women’s Vintage from the 60s and 70s.  And let me tell you, as you thumb through LSV, you will defiantly get that message.  Not only is the store name inspired by a Doors song, but about 75% of LSV’s vintage is incorrporate Aztec prints, floral patterns, and extremely bold colors.  Clothing that you can just picture people wearing to Woodstock or on the streets of San Francisco.  To be able to wear these psychedelic, bohemian clothing you will have to be a person who is utterly at home with themselves and someone who is free spirited and perhaps fitting with the hippie mentality of a flower child. If that is you, then you will have no problem finding items that fit your personality at LSV! Happy Hunting!

Perfect for those who like a bit more order to their lives, Raleigh Vintage, an Etsy shop, carries clean cut, sophisticated clothing for the Vintage Woman.  While they carry vintage from the 50s to 90s all picks are very reminiscent of the 50s/60s wardrobe.  That is:  light, delicate patterns, sharp lines and a more muted color palette.  Perfect for the working lady who wants to add a little character to her office outfit! The most awesome part of this shop?  That it is cared for and stocked by a vintage-loving couple, Isaac and Andi.  How cute is that! Check them out!

While Forsythia Hill, an Etsy shop based out of VA, carries other Vintage, mainly home goods, the heart of her store rests with her amazing Vintage sunglasses.  Her impeccable taste in unique eye wear is what makes her store so special and keeps me coming back for more.  Her NEVER BEEN WORN glasses come  in styles such as Wayfarers, John Lennon round wires, and BIG 80’s.  And for every pair of eye or sunglasses purchased, Forsythia Hill makes a matching donation to the Lions Club that distributes glasses to an abundance of needy organizations.  How admirable is that? Why wouldn’t you check her out?

Sparkling Lotus Design is a new find for me and while the store isn’t packed with jewelry as of now, the things they do have are actually very lovely.  If you like stones, then you might find a couple of items here that you will adore, as I certainly have.  Some of the jewelry that you will find at SLD are handmade creations by its owner who contends that her store has been the result of (her) compulsion to create in (her) spare time. And while she does carry vintage jewelry, she hopes that her customers will find some inspiration in her personal jewelry.   I guess you’ll have to stop by and see if that is the case!