Daisy Fairbanks Vintage

Jane Russell - The Legendary Beauty

Farewell to Ms. Jane Russell.

Here's a still from her scandalous debut film, The Outlaw, produced by Howard Hughes.

Publicity still, around the time she was filming Underwater

And of course, a few clips from her most famous role with Marilyn Monroe in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes

 

The Vintage Novelty Handkerchief

Here's what I've been working on today at Daisy Fairbanks Vintage headquarters - a parade of novelty hankies, coming soon to Etsy.

A few by Tammis Keefe:

Some with a horse theme:

 

Some lovely ladies:

 

Travel souvenirs:

 

A couple by Pat Prichard:

 

 

Randomly lovely:

 

Ever wonder about the calorie count in that caviar or Scotch & soda?

 

And for the truly bizarre, here's what was probably a well-meaning baby shower gift:

 

Wait, is that an actual miniature toy plastic baby that's been crocheted into the corner? Yes. Yes it is.

The Valentine Bathroom - Part 2

This is Helen, the genius behind the Valentine Bathroom in yesterday's post.

This is Helen, just a few years earlier, working as a lifeguard.

Thanks for sharing, Helen.

And to all the moms out there, Happy Valentines Day.

The Valentine Bathroom

Happy Valentine's Day!

In the world of interior design online, it's easy to find rooms that have been carefully staged by professional designers. Spend some time on Apartment Therapy or Design Sponge and you'll see wonderful spaces full of the latest trendy objects and ideas - places you'd feel at home in.

The Valentine Bathroom, at my friend Eve's mother Helen's house, is another type of design. It's a thematic vintage time capsule of love. On the far wall, vintage candy boxes.

Notice, the pink paper roll. Not even manufactured anymore, but it's perfect. Helen said she's held back a stash just for this room. I forgot to ask when the room was finished, but by the wall clock I'm guessing some time in the mid 70s.The wallpaper is pale pink moire.

Are candy companies using lace and flower decorated heart boxes anymore?
I can't remember seeing any recently. Helen's is an impressive collection.

On the window shelf, another collection: red glassware.

In the front corner, the original pink porcelain tub. With kooky stick-on fish.

 

Valentine Blush - Vintage Dresses in Loving Color

 

Pink chiffon party dress at Daisy Fairbanks Vintage

 

 

Rose lace illusion dress at Daisy Fairbanks Vintage

 

 

Pink ruffles wiggle dress at Daisy Fairbanks Vintage

 

 

Fuchsia peasant dress at Daisy Fairbanks Vintage

 

 

Halter dress with capelet at Daisy Fairbanks Vintage

 

Pink roses dress by Jo Collins at Daisy Fairbanks Vintage

Etsy Treasury - At Home in the Shade

Spring is just around the corner, and in anticipation I've been doing quite a bit of planting. It feels wonderful to get my fingers into the dirt and make things grow. My yard is still a big, raw space full of possibility, and I'm looking forward to planning paths, sitting areas, outdoor rooms, and making our yard feel like home.

I've just created an etsy treasury inspired by the first photo - a mid-century wire-look patio setee. Cool, watery colors, greenery, and a glass of lemonade.

Put A Bird On It

There's an art/craft magazine I used to subscribe to (I won't name names) that at first seemed wonderfully original. Geared toward the new DIY movement, it included wonderful projects on a small scale that could be made easily at home. Shadow boxes, art cards, altered books, assemblage, etc. As an artist who had limited space in which to work, I looked forward to each issue to offer inspiration and new ideas. However, in issue after issue I began to notice a pattern. The photographs of the artwork all began to look eerily similar. Something was emerging. Apparently, all one needed to do to make something "art" was to include one of these images:

1. face or figure with conical birthday hat
2. window
3. bird

Needless to say, when my subscription ran out it was not renewed.

Fast forward a few years, and now there are websites like etsy, a wonderful marketplace through which thousands of kitchen table artists sell their wares. The craft movement has also hit the main street, with small shops in hipster college towns carrying local artists wares.

Independent Film Channel's Portlandia celebrates one such town and the tendency of its hipster inhabitants to be just a little more hip than the rest of us. My favorite sketch? This one:

 

Let's look at some vintage items that "Put A Bird On It," from the talented sellers of the Vintage Fashion Guild.

1950s circle skirt at CoutureAllure

 

1950s copper & enamel brooch & earrings at thespectrum

 

1980s Ferragamo sweater at Poppy's Vintage Clothing

 

1960s craft purse at The Vintage Merchant

 

1960s Alfred Shaheen dress at Daisy Fairbanks Vintage

 

Georg Jensen sterling brooch at metroretrovintage

 

1950s sweater guard at Aaralyn's Velvet Dragonfly

 

1920s tooled leather purse at Daisy Fairbanks Vintage

 

Related posts:

Design Sponge

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