This Weeks Finds

This week brought forth some amazing finds. While I might still being firing up the grill every night and drinking in as many of the last summer evenings as possible I am enjoying the remnants as  much as possible. Tonight, I had some friends for dinner, drank Pabst Blue Ribbons in the yard as the sun set and listened to Motorhead. Not too shabby!
As I say farewell to the warm months, I have found some more amazing finds to help me look forward to the cold.

Wilson fur coat

Wilson suede and leather was  known for affordable leather and fur goods and graced any reputable mall with their stores. They did it well, too.  I remember browsing them longingly in the 1980's. I love them to this day. They made glamour affordable and now their coats, jackets and garments speak to me of a time gone by. Though defunct as of 2008, they are a throwback to an era of decadence that I miss.

Burberry men's coat

click here for details

I am in love with most things Burberry! This classic English fashion house mixes quality, elegance and style like no other. Truly, these are investment pieces and I snap them up happily whenever possible. The Burberry Nova plaid has been copied time and time again, but not the original beauty.


Burberry Brit

click here for details

A more casual line, but no less desirable, is Burberry Brit. This red and black plaid ladies button front is a classic element for any Fall wardrobe, It brings day to day elegance to the season.


Lounge Wear

Shweitzer Linen Noblesse robe.
Click here for details.

A fur trimmed robe will keep anyone warm and when mixed with a cashmere blend knit it is even more reason to stay snuggled up on a cold day.

Bundle Up!

Please note:
 All real fur featured in this blog and future blogs is vintage (pre 1980) and/or second hand contemporary. I do not buy or sell fur in the current market.

Cold weather outfits have been the bane of my wardrobe for most of my life. Coats and jackets in particular never seem to fit right or are too bulky or not warm enough to fend off the cold. I never feel my best dressed in the winter and gloomy frozen weather doesn't help my outlook.
My cure for theses wintry blues is some extra special touches of glamour.

This cornflower blue coat has a simple cut and huge fur collar. The blue is a muted shade, but a cheery alternative to gray or black. The white of the collar with it's gray flecks are very complimentary. I would pair this with simple, soft knit hat and gloves.  Let the collar be the main accessory.

Kashmiracle coat with fur collar. 

A wrap is wonderful for cool weather. It adds warmth and interest to a lightweight jacket. I really like this look as a way to take something as casual as a denim jacket and make it outstanding! This is the sort of piece that can easily seem too dated or too formal to wear on a whim, but keeping things on the casual and modern side can change that.

A wrap from Lewis Furriers of Sacramento.
Click here for details.

 With a wide collar and buttons etched with roses, this is is a beauty. It's shorter length lends a youthful air to this white fur coat. The sleeves are a shorter length so they are perfect with a longer glove.
The lining has a design as well as a monogram embroidered on it.

Totally Awesome 80's Sweaters

I've been feeling very nostalgic for the 1980's this past week. It's one of my favorite decades as far as fashion and music are concerned and I like to incorporate both in to my life as often as possible.

I love the bold colors and patterns of the time. What encapsulates those better than the 80's sweater?
My thoughts are turning to Fall and cool weather clothes so when these beauties came across my path I couldn't believe how perfect the timing was!


Red, black and gold. Sequins and leopard spots. Oh my GAWD! This sweater is oversize, but it's longer than it is wide in the style of a tunic or short sweater dress. This would look great with leggings or opaque tights for the Fall. Add a modern boot and minimal accessories to update the look.

click here for details

Angora and lambswool with beading and faux leather accents. This creamy white sweater is so Dynasty, shoulder pads and all. I love it! This would be great with a basic pencil or flare skirt.

Benetton was a huge label in the 80's. The colors in this cardigan are so vibrant and fun. I love the over sized, loose shape. Back in the 80's this would have been worn this acid washed jeans and slouchy socks. Throwing a banana clip in the hair wouldn't have hurt either.
Today, I would see this with simple skinny jeans and flats to ground the rest of the outfit and let the sweater be the focus. A thin belt around the waist will add more shape.

click here for details

The key to making these wearable, for me, is bringing modern elements in to work with a very a vintage style that could otherwise look dated. Keep it simple and let the focus of the look rest on the sweater.
Of course, as with any look, wear it the way you want to and let it reflect you.

Thrifting My Days Away

I've been finding so many great thrift store items lately! Even though it's August now, I keep finding things to add to my Summer wardrobe. Luckily I feel they can carry into the Fall so I can justify it. Or I'll be early for next year! Both are good options.

First off, I found this dress. 

 I've been loving fringe and was so excited when I found this. The top is so simple that it makes the fringe be the focus while still being easy to accessorize. 

Vintage fringe dress (1980's/90's).
Together! brand

These shoes will work beautifully from now until the cooler months hit. Super strappy with a wooden wedge,  they look great with jeans and dresses alike. Almost like an ankle boot with the amount of coverage, but the  natural wood makes it a great summer shoe.

Surprisingly comfy wooden wedge from Bed-Stu brand

This purse is huge! White and brown pony fur with red leather straps. This is a great way to add interest to a neutral outfit that needs a punch up.

Maurizio Taiuti purse.

This is possibly my favorite find as of late. At least one of them, anyway. Too warm for now, but Fall is going to be here fast and I'm going to need it. A Burberry shawl in the classic Nova check. It is so stylish! I love it by itself but it adds a level of sophistication (and warmth) to a lighter weight jacket.

100% wool shawl in classic tan 

Last, we have this cut out vest in black suede. This adds a layer of texture to a black top underneath or allows a pop of color to show through. I'm seeing this worn with knit top and a wool hat...we shall see.

Vintage 1960's suede vest. No label

So far I'm feeling pretty good about my transitional wardrobe. I'm definitely not ready for summer to end, though. At least I have some good clothes to look forward to.

Bright and Bold

 Nothing celebrates the summer sun like bright, bold colors and prints. While I am a fan of color at all times of the year, I look forward to an eye catching summer wardrobe more than anything else.

Emilio Pucci

These resort pants are a perfect summer piece; wide leg flare with the graphic print style that has Pucci is known for. Pair with a woven or cork sole wedge for added height with this long hem.

Pucci began incorporating bold graphics in clothing that reflected the new, active lifestyles that women were leading in the 1950's. His signature prints and luxurious style continue today.Click  here for details.

I love dresses. I probably feel most confident and at my best when I wear one. In fact, I went many years without even owning a pair of pants. 

Dresses can be ideal when it's hot out, not only because they are breezy, but because they are a complete outfit. One piece and your done getting dressed. It becomes the focal point of your look. Throw your hair up, grab a little purse and  shoes...you're done.  

There is a dress style to suit all shapes and sizes. The style I prefer on me is an A line or fit-and-flare. I absolutely love pencil and maxi styles, but most of the time those are a bit trickier for me. Here are some current favorites:

Lilly Pulitzer

Her colorful preppy prints gained popularity in the 1960's -1984 with the well dressed elite. The label was revitalized in 1993 and most recently collaborated with Target to produce a limited line of clothing and home goods. 

Many Lilly styles feature floral and animal prints. This one has little lion faces among the flowers.
Click here for details.

This dress has a shorter knee length hem line that keeps it flirty but comfortable. Wide straps and a not-to-low neckline mean almost any bra can be worn underneath. The muted red color pops without being too brazen and the rope motif lends a nautical vibe.

Thrift store find by Effie's Heart.
The belt can be removed and replaced with different style, if desired.

A halter top with a flare skirt is hands down my favorite style. It's such a classic pin-up inspired look that is sexy and fun. The halter flatters the bust line while retaining modesty. The belted waist accentuates the natural waist and the flared skirt accentuates the hips. Put it all together and you have a well balanced hourglass shape that compliments the curves of the figure.

Unlabeled thrift store find. This may be a homemade dress.
The embroidered flowers add a bright pop of sunny yellow.

Last on this list is a dress that proved to me that short people (I'm 5'2'') can wear full length. The close cut of the top is softly balanced by the folds of the sarong style skirt. Its a sort of scaled back principle of the 

fit-and-flare. A bright tropical print make this beach worthy, or garden party worthy, or pretending I'm doing those things worthy. 

Sarong style wrap dress by Clio. Vintage 1990's.

Summer Fun Accessorising with Scarves

I've probably tried 6 times to write this blog with no luck. I think the reason I'm having a hard time is that scarves are so simple, right? They have been a part of the human wardrobe since ancient times due to their functionality and decorative capability. They don't require much consideration. It's a piece of fabric.
But I think it is the simplicity of the scarf that makes it such an important staple.  So I'll keep this simple too.
Lets start with bandannas.  Although they are not much more than a  swatch of cotton fabric I am absolutely in love with them.
Bandannas are perfect with the most casual outfit. Even if I'm wearing cut offs and a tank top to a backyard BBQ, I can add a bandanna for a little extra impact AND I can skip any serious hair styling for the day (bonus!)

My summertime favorite! And this bandanna was $1!!

I also like this look with a silky scarf. Below is pictured a white, tan and aqua Vera square scarf from the 1970's. I adore Vera! Known for bold colors and playful graphics, Vera Neumann began designing around 1947. In addition to scarves, she designed clothing and linens for the home.
Over the years, the Vera label was licensed to other companies and the signature label varied, but the appeal remains.
The Vera label is a fairly common thrift store find. I snap them up whenever I find them.

1970's era Vera scarf

The same scarf from the back.

I keep my head scarves in place with some bobby pins. That way the scarf doesn't slip around too much. If I need some additional hold, I spray the pins lightly with hairspray to  give them a little extra grip before fixing them in place.

Another hair option. 

Silky scarves have a little more formality to them and I like to add them as a quick fix to a simple outfit that needs some punch.

I love the added texture a shawl can give. Whats more, you can drape a long scarf around the neck and double it as a shoulder wrap for cool evenings.
Lengths of fringe and rich patterns make an impact on an otherwise simple dress. It also offers an extra layer of sun protection for hair or skin without being too heavy or bulky.

Wide net knit scarves are perfect for all seasons but I love them in the warmer months. Even monochrome basic black moves up to another level when this crochet texture is added.

The wide net allows for added elegance without adding heat.

Add some big dark shades for classic glamour and all the sunshine you could hope for! Not to mention a head scarf is wonderful for protecting against elements like wind and humidity.

Large rectangular red shawl. 

An effortless alternative to a bolero. A large square scarf is a classic accent. Add a different type of texture to simple lines with a mix of patterns and colors.

Moschino large square scarf. The mix of patterns and colors makes this one pop!

A timeless triangular fold. 

There are so many fabrics from silk, synthetic, cotton, woven, and who knows what? Iconic designers and unlabeled, different shapes and sizes - the list of options goes on and on. But for for a few dollars a scarf I luckily don't feel burdened by the choice and I can continue to grow my collection as a whim.

Time Traveler

I love to travel. I love everything (well, a lot of things) that goes along with it. From the original spark of the idea ("Oh, hey, we should go to blah blah blah"), to looking up hotels to stay at, to pricing tickets or planning the route. I even like packing. I also like luggage.

For many years the suitcases I traveled with were cool, old, vintage ones. Although not very practical, I loved using them. First off, they looked super stylish. Second, they really stood out from all the other baggage, which made baggage claim much easier! 

Bobbing around a sea of black rolling suitcases and nondescript duffel bags, my bright red plaids could be seen from a mile away. I suppose for their time they weren't unique, but you get my point.

1940's plaid hat box from Lark.

I continue to snap up vintage boxes and bags whenever I see them.  What could be more romantic than an old, worn steamer trunk? A hulking box wrapped in leather, metal bands and strapped down with locks, made for long trips on stagecoach or ship.   Think of these boxes brimming with suits or dresses from days gone by, loaded on to a steam ship and sailing off to distant ports! The trip of a lifetime for the turn of the century traveler.

But form and function go hand and hand when it comes to luggage. As different modes of transportation came about, the travelers themselves changed. As new materials where introduced to manufacture the bags with, the styles reflected the changing times as well.

1960's train case in blue from Carilite. I actually used this as my only suitcase for one trip. Some very inventive packing!

It makes sense. We need to travel faster and more efficiently. We zip around the world in mere hours and we can do it just for fun. Weekend getaways and day trips can happen spur of the moment. I've been known to leave the state just because I was bored.

The Socialite 60 train case in white. I still love it, even with the cracked lid.

As rapidly as travel evolved it still took some time before the introduction of the wheel. In fact the patent for "Rolling Luggage" was not received until 1972. We have Bernard D. Sadow to thank for that brilliant idea!

But it still would take until 1987 until wheels caught on. 

That would happen when an airline pilot named Robert Plath made a few modifications to the design and "Rollalong Luggage" began. Thank you, Robert!

A suitcase is a summery of the travelers tastes. These are the garments that were chosen out of all others from the drawers and closets of the home base to set off on this trek. These are the items found to be necessities for this excursion. The rest is extraneous. Sure, the others may be suitable for the time spent at home but for this sliver of time, this is what's needed right now.

With so many colors, designs and styles to choose from, luggage is also an extension of style. Yet another way to express ones self!

My pretty vintage bags have retired to a quiet stationary life at last. I have adopted a state of the art wheeled set with telescopic handle in a cheetah print design! Now I can be seen dashing from point A to B quickly and glamorously. Always on the move, balancing important business and fabulous leisure in style! Well, at least in my imagination anyhow. 

This is my luggage of the moment! 4 piece cheetah print set from Safari. (Note the wheels)

Travel will remain a grand adventure to me. Not just the destination, but the anticipation and interactions getting there. You never know who you will meet or what you might see. After all, nothing changes your view of the world like seeing it.