The lovely and talented Sandra at Debutante Clothing has created a much needed how-to video for online vintage shoppers.
As an online seller, I cannot tell you how many times I've received the emailed question "Will this dress fit me?" Most sellers provide detailed measurements of the item, but it's crucial that buyers know their own measurements.
Shop. Compare Measurements. Happy Buyer. Happy Seller. Repeat.
Just listed, two deliciously cool dresses.
The first is a classic Swirl Wrap Dress from the 1950s.
Then, a sweet Cotton Candy Stripe Dress perfect for a picnic or evening walk at the fair. Enjoy!
The best love song ever written. Plus, Roberta rocks the dashiki.
If you're an ebay seller, I have a confession to make. I'm one of those annoying people who puts things on her "watch" list and then rarely bids. Sorry! (I call it "research," though most likely when I'm browsing ebay it's to avoid what I'm really supposed to be doing.) Sometimes I watch items to find out how well (or not) they sell, sometimes I watch items that are wonderful and unusual, as though I'm sitting in the cheering section. And of those items, once in a while I fantasize about how they would fit in to my life if by chance they happen to be in my size/price range. Being the owner of a 1300+ square foot store full of wonderful modern and vintage clothing, it's rare that I fell compelled to buy online for myself because I have a constant stream of merchandise flowing through my hands and, well, it's almost as though I'm a bit jaded. Before I had the store, I "rescued" clothing so my closet was always overflowing with gorgeous things that maybe didn't fit, needed mending, or that I just didn't have occasion to wear. Now my closet is pared down and the only things I have too many of are vintage sweaters, but then again I wear them constantly so it's not too many. It's not!
Here are a few items on my current "watch" list:
This Bonnie Cashin pink purse:
I don't generally wear pink, but as an accessory it's wonderful! I'd wear this with one of my vintage tunic tops, my favorite jeans, flat sandals, & big sunglasses. I love bags with an open top - just throw my keys in and they make a satisfying jingle-plop!
This Black Sparkle dress from I. Magnin makes me a bit giddy:
It's such a wonderful combination of shiny, stripey, flared, and undeniably chic, and while I still can't picture a day in my own life that would call for this dress, it's one I'd love to wear with strappy Chanel sandals, my hair in a high & tight knot, and definitely some black eyeliner. It's me, dressed as someone with a night life!
This Purple Missoni dress is tempting me the most:
Love the vertical stripes, love the simple shift shape (which suits my boyish figure,) love the bold color scheme, love Missoni, always have. Hmmm...maybe I should bid this time.
Just because a dress is featured in the new Sex & The City movie doesn't automatically make it great. There have certainly been more than a few fashion mis-steps in that undeniably stylish series. And having been a vintage dealer for a number of years has made me a tough customer when it comes to clothing. I've handled tens of thousands of vintage garments, many of them more yawn-inspiring than awe-inspiring. But while browsing on eBay the other day I came across this dress by Lanvin and it absolutely took my breath away!
Plus the seller does a fantastic job of presentation, photographing the dress perfectly accessorized and on a real woman (I've grown tired of the eBay trend of teenage-looking models in high-end vintage when they look like they'd have the same appreciation for a dress from Wet Seal.)
Millstreetvintage is definitely a seller I'll be keeping my eye on and so should you, her selection is fabulous! But back to the dress:
Barbra Streisand is iconic not just for her incredible vocal talent but for her quirky style. She was never considered a beauty, in fact her looks were more often mocked. But in to my eye she always had a striking elegance that goes beyond traditional looks - an undeniable dignity and confidence that I find hypnotic.
Here she is in the finale of her first television special in 1965, My Name Is Barbra, looking absolutely smashing in a black gown designed by Bill Blass. She'd already made a smash hit on Broadway in "Funny Girl" but was relatively new to non-New Yorkers, who had only previously seen her in a handful of guest appearances on variety shows on shows like the Mike Douglas Show and Tonight with Jack Paar.
One year later, with color television was becoming more mainstream, she had a second special, Color Me Barbra, this time with costumes by Ray Diffen, with a few items designed by Barbra herself.
Want to own a piece of rock & roll history and look fabulous at the same time? Kerry Taylor Auctions is offering a rare collection of fashions from Jerry Hall's personal collection.
Peruse Ms. Halls amazing collection from the 80s & 90s with gorgeous clothing from a virtual pantheon of designers including Vivienne Westwood, Dolce & Gabbana, Antony Price, Emanuel, Paco Rabanne, Jean Paul Gaultier, Moschino Couture, Azzedine Alaia, Thierry Mugler, Norma Kamali, Chloe, Bruce Oldfield, Gianni Versace, Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent, Christian Lacroix, Escada, and Bill Blass.
Known for their simple, wearable fashions and their bold customs prints, Alex Colman is a rare example (in the fashion industry) of a successful family-run business. Our friend Lizzie had a wonderful opportunity to speak with Robert Colman, the son of founders Sade and Alex Colman.
See the full interview right here.
I've handled many Alex Colman items over the years and have come to the point where I can nearly recognize them by sight without having to check the label. First of all, the print design is always absolutely original, and Alex Colman garments are always exceptionally well made from quality fabrics. They are definitely fashion for the masses, practical and never fussy.
This tunic listed on our site now was probably in its day worn with plain white polyester pants and flat sandals, a bright blue scarf in her hair, white sunglasses, and a slash of orange lipstick. Today it could be worn with your cutoff jean shorts, rolled to the knee, and platform Danskos.
We also love this Bandana Print Skirt, sold from our site last March:
I've always pictured this worn with a plain white blouse, cuffed to the elbow and tied in front at the waist, black ballet flats, with a high ponytail and bright red lips.
With the passing of iconic designer Yves Saint Laurent on Sunday the fashion world mourns the loss of one of the most innovative creators of the twentieth century.
