Zuburbia Vintage Clothing Blog

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VPOD: Vintage 1920s Silk & Gold Dress
2009-12-02 19:57:00
As you can imagine, I spent a lot of time on vintage clothing websites. And there are several ways clothes can be displayed: on mannequins or dress forms, on live models, or "flat" (like you often see in magazines and catalogs). We all have our preferences--for me, I prefer to see the clothes "flat" because that item will never appear on me the way it does on a model or mannequin and I prefer to style the item in my mind with mental pictures of items I have in my closet. But I understand how seeing a styled model might help someone else get inspiration for how they could wear the garment.So I am pleased to see that Net-a-Porter gives you both options. Take today's VPOD for instance. This reworked dress woven from 1920s silk and metallic gold embroidery is stunning all by itself. But it's nice to also see a styling option that shows how easy it is to use this vintage dress as a building block for a very contemporary look.It proves that this sparkling dress is a fashionable find for...
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VPOD: Vintage 1970s Wenjilli Maxi Sweater Dress
2009-12-01 19:01:00
In the summer, when you want to show off the results of hours and hours of Pilates workouts, it's easy to bare some skin in a tank or a sundress. But when winter rolls around, opportunities to show off a fit bod like this can be few and far between. That's where sweater dresses come in. They'll keep you toasty while giving you ample opportunity to show off your curves, hugging and clinging in all the right places.And when it comes to vintage sweater dresses, especially maxi sweater dresses, one label always comes to mind: Wenjilli. This label's best dresses were made in Hong Kong during the 1970s and are a fit girl's best friend. Today's VPOD features a playful Wenjilli knit pink lurex maxi dress with mod green and black stripes. It's a fun way to bring a bit of 70's chic into the 21st century.And it's a wonderful Wenjilli find for a vintage fashionista!Available at Atelier-Mayer.com.(To receive the VPOD via email with detailed size, price and purchase information, sign up ...
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VPOD: Vintage 1960s Lilli Ann Suede and Knit Mod Coat
2009-11-30 17:23:00
Every modern businessperson understands the importance of networking, and today we have social media tools like LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter to make things easier. But the wise businessperson has always realized the power of making the right connections.Adolph Schuman, founder of the label Lilli Ann, was no exception. After opening his business in San Francisco, he began to actively establish and promote runway shows with Paris. These shows then allowed him to network with Parisian designers, including Chanel and Balenciaga. And these relationships became strong enough that he eventually was able to have Balenciaga provide some anonymous designs for his label as a personal favor. What an example of the power of networking!Of course, if a gal's gonna network anywhere outside of cyberspace, she'd better look her best. And today's VPOD is a sure way to look chic and polished. This mod 1960s coat by Lilli Ann packs a punch in deep gray knit with saffron suede panels and white strip...
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Zuburbia VPOW: Vintage 1960s Aquanala Animal Print Coat
2009-11-29 20:07:00
Mixing prints is a definite skill--both in home decor and in fashion. Some folks are naturally talented and create genius combinations and others, well, let's just say they struggle and often come up short. And when it comes to mixing animal prints, in particular, less is most definitely more. Anyone gutsy enough to mix leopard, zebra, giraffe or other animal prints together is probably a hard-core professional.Yet, while mixing animal prints is a general no-no, today's VPOW breaks all the rules. This luxurious 1960s coat by Aquanala evokes the spirit of multiple animal prints without paying homage to any one of them. The colors and patterns don't identify a particular species but instead create an overall impression that says "animal print" without actually being an animal print.And that makes for a fabulous find for a vintage fashionista!Available at Zuburbia.com.(To receive the VPOD via email with detailed size, price and purchase information, sign up for my growing email mail...
More About: Animal , Vintage , Print

VPOD: Vintage 1950s Nylon Chiffon Nighties
2009-11-27 22:33:00
The term "lingerie" comes from the Old French linge, which referred to scandalous underclothes. Though the term was not in widespread use until the 1850s, the history of lingerie itself started centuries earlier, back in ancient Egypt around 3000 BC.And while the choice for men may center around something as simple as boxers or briefs, we women have so much more to consider: peignoirs, chemises, nighties, camisoles, and teddies--both racy and demure. Now we gals know that buying luxurious lingerie is not necessarily practical, but we also know that this form of self-indulgence can have a subconscious impact on the way we look and feel--even if no one gets to witness our underpinnings.Today's VPOD features a sweet vintage black chiffon nightie from the 1950s with pink lace appliques and is a reminder that in this decade, glamour definitely went skin deep.It's a lovely lingerie find for a vintage fashionista!Available at The Noir Boudoir.(To receive the VPOD via email with detailed ...
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VPOD: Vintage 1980s Yves Saint Laurent Military Blazer
2009-11-25 17:18:00
As we head into Thanksgiving, many a cook will be making a list and checking it twice. While these days it is possible to run out to a grocery store on Thanksgiving morning if you discover you forgot something critical for your dinner, the experienced cook always has a well-stocked pantry with all the essentials. And what works in the pantry works in the closet too.Just like a cook is always reaching for sugar, flour and salt, a fashionista has wardrobe staples that she reaches for time and time again. And just like a cook will often splurge on the best imported ingredients that make a critical difference in the taste of a culinary masterpiece, a fashionista should not be afraid to invest in the very best critical wardrobe pieces that serve as the centerpiece of her go-to outfits.Today's VPOD certainly qualifies as one such item. This vintage 1980s military-style black wool blazer by Yves Saint Laurent is trimmed in braid with huge gold buttons and a whole heap of style.It's a fa...
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VPOD: Vintage 1970s Ossie Clark Floral Dress
2009-11-24 17:00:00
Want to open a can of worms? Just talk about shortening vintage dresses. It's one of those controversial issues where most people tend to be either in full support or entirely against it. I, however, line up somewhere in the middle.For instance, the racks of vintage maxis at this weekend's flea market that had their sweeping hems lopped off to create mini dresses and tops hold no appeal for me. In fact, they just looked sad hanging there with their proportions all wrong. But I'm not entirely opposed to the idea--I just like to have the option to shorten a vintage dress to a length that's right for me. My tailor is working on a little 1960s velvet and satin number right now. It looks quite dated on the hangar but after we take up the hem and create cap sleeves from the long, formal, buttoned numbers on the original, it'll hold its own at a 2009 holiday party and be entirely original.But what do you do with today's VPOD? It presents an interesting dilemma because it's a vintag...
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VPOD: Vintage 1970s Nina Urban Cowgirl Suede Boots
2009-11-23 18:58:00
John Travolta introduced us to the idea of an Urban Cowboy, and now there are lots of Urban Cowgirls roaming today's big cities. Sure, they're dodging far more taxis than buffalo, but that's easy when they're wearing their country hearts on their feet.And doesn't every fashionista in any zip code need a rockin' pair of urban cowgirl boots in her closet? They make perfect weekend wear when strolling the flea market and are essential for a night of line dancing. So check out today's VPOD.These vintage 1970s cowboy boots by Nina are perfect for a country lovin' fashionista with their yummy caramel suede, red and white stitching and towering heel.They're urban cowgirl chic for a vintage fashionista!Available at Posh Vintage . (To receive the VPOD via email with detailed size, price and purchase information, sign up for my growing email mailing list here. Your information will never be sold or shared and you can unsubscribe at any time.)
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VPOD: Vintage Pucci Princess Dress
2009-11-20 17:37:00
When Emilio Pucci scribbled his signature across his designs, it marked the debut of a designer's name as an external logo. But Pucci wasn't content to just make dresses. His designs included the now famous Braniff International Airlines uniforms, the logo for the Apollo 15 space mission, tableware for Rosenthal, and even the interior of a Ford Lincoln Continental!Vintage designs by this "Prince of Prints" are legendary and always popular because they make any girl feel like a "Princess of Prints." Today's VPOD features an eye-catching vintage Pucci dress in a black-and-pink print with long sleeves--just perfect as we head into winter.It's a wonderful Pucci find (that's on sale!) for a vintage fashionsta!Available at The Celebrity Dress Style Salon.(To receive the VPOD via email with detailed size, price and purchase information, sign up for my growing email mailing list here. Your information will never be sold or shared and you can unsubscribe at any time.)

VPOD: Vintage 1970s Patterned Dress
2009-11-19 15:45:00
You just gotta love the Internet! I mean, even if you never stray 30 miles from your hometown, it can give you the appearance of being a world traveler. When someone asks where you got that sassy little frock you're sporting, you can look them straight in the eye and honestly answer: Stockholm.If you've already made the leap to purchasing some of your vintage clothing online on domestic websites, perhaps it's time to branch out and consider one of the fabulous international sites as well. Yes, shipping costs are high and the dollar is weak and you might have to pay customs fees, but certain labels are just more prevalent in Europe and certain labels were never carried in the US. And no, it doesn't have to cost a fortune.Today's VPOD for instance is a darling vintage 1970s print dress that, with shipping, will set you back a few hundred kroners (but that's just a little over $100). And since you're shopping online, it'll be easy to head right to the checkout without passing t...
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VPOD: Vintage 1960s Pauline Rader Mod Necklace
2009-11-18 17:02:00
Pauline Rader designed jewelry for over twenty years, from the early 1960s to the 1980s, but because she produced her designs in small quantities for select clients and a few elite boutiques, her pieces are now very rare and quite collectible.If you like jewelry that is substantive--often massive in size--and influenced by antiquity, mythical and classical themes, you will adore her work. It's often adorned with replicas of ancient coins, colored stones, and glass beads. Look for her mark, "PAULINE RADER," in block letters in an oval cartouche with a circled copyright mark, to identify her pieces. Then squeal with glee!Or just grab today's VPOD. Layer this vintage 1960s pendant necklace with some other favorites for a trendy 2009 look or allow it to shine on its own.Either way, it's a fabulous find for a vintage fashionista!Available at ListItCafe.Discovered at TheFind.com.(To receive the VPOD via email with detailed size, price and purchase information, sign up for my growing em...
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VPOD: Vintage 1930s Ball Gown with Vampitude
2009-11-17 16:19:00
Legends of vampires abound throughout history and from one end of the globe to the other. And these ancient creatures of folklore have recently hit the mainstream to enjoy their fifteen minutes of fame with the outrageous success of HBO's True Blood, Stephanie Meyer's Twilight series, and the CW's Vampire Diaries.Of course, fashion is in on the trend, too, with vampire chic (or vampitude) all the rage. Black, black and more black--on fingers, toes, eyes, and body--are prominent. But we're not talking about a classic LBD--no, these "killer" looks have far more edge, a mix between goth, biker chic, and romanticism that is hugely individualistic.Today's VPOD features a 1930s black taffeta and net gown with peek-a-boo elements that has just the right touch of wear for a girl who wants to rock this trend. After all, you'd want a look that says "This old thing? I've lived in this for centuries." And that makes it a perfect find for a vampy vintage fashionista!Available at Taste-T-V...
More About: Vintage , Gown

VPOD: Vintage 1940s Emma Domb Bombshell Dress
2009-11-16 17:21:00
Emma Domb's clothing company operated from the 1930s through the 1970s and was most celebrated for its outrageously beautiful evening wear and wedding gowns. But this little lady knew how to design a rockin' frock, too. Just take a look at today's VPOD.While you may only wear an Emma Domb gown once a year, you could tease multiple looks out of this beauty with just a dash of imagination. This 1940s draped bombshell is made of a smooth silk jersey in an ornate grape print. Just check out the amazing criss-crossed ruched bodice which is lined and boned--not something you find much in today's dresses, right? But oh, what this kind of construction can do for a woman's figure!What a seductive and glamorous find for a vintage fashionista!Available on eBay.com.(To receive the VPOD via email with detailed size, price and purchase information, sign up for my growing email mailing list here. Your information will never be sold or shared and you can unsubscribe at any time.)
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VPOD: Vintage 1970s Blue Jersey Gown
2009-11-13 18:33:00
As I was driving home yesterday, I passed both a movie shoot and a red carpet event. Maybe it was for the launch of a CD or the opening of a nightclub--who knows? The point is, while witnessing these events is exciting for newcomers and tourists, once you've lived in LA long enough, celebrity sightings and these types of things are old hat. And it doesn't take long for your glitzy image of Hollywood to get a little rusty around the edges as the glamour in your head is replaced by harsh reality.For instance, while most of the country hears "red carpet" and thinks of the immense hullabaloo surrounding the Oscars and Emmys and Golden Globes, the weekly red carpet events out here are more like the one I saw yesterday: a very short red carpet, a few feet of banners taped to a building wall for a backdrop, anywhere from one to a handful of press photographers, and no cheering crowds.And while it's fine to harbor a secret yearning to strut down a red carpet, if you think it's just a si...
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VPOD: Vintage 1950s Sexy Sunglasses
2009-11-12 18:32:00
Usually when a fashionista decides she's ready to plunge into vintage clothing waters, she takes her first dip with accessories. And since you can't wear just an accessory, but instead have to mix it up with something already in your wardrobe, you don't have to worry about getting too gung-ho too soon and risk overdoing it with a vintage-head-to-toe look that is more costume than chic.Now you could choose a scarf, a belt, or a handbag to take away your vintage virginity, but a sexy pair of shades like today's VPOD would do nicely too. These 1950s horn-rimmed beauties in a wonderful bronze shade come with their original leather carry case and a hefty dose of style for no extra charge.They're some sexy shades for a vintage fashionista!Available at Little Freckles Vintage .(To receive the VPOD via email with detailed size, price and purchase information, sign up for my growing email mailing list here. Your information will never be sold or shared and you can unsubscribe at any time.)
More About: Sexy , Sunglasses

VPOD: Vintage 1930s Glass Leaf Necklace
2009-11-11 17:17:00
So it's mid-November and most people are turning their thoughts to turkey dinners and the upcoming holiday shopping season. And if you're not one of the uber-organized types who has had all your gifts purchased and wrapped since before Halloween, then you might want to think about polishing up your running shoes, making your list and checking it twice, and heading out to elbow the mobs on Black Friday. Because, remember, the sooner you finish your holiday shopping, the sooner you can allow visions of spring fashions to dance around in your fashionista head.For instance, while everyone else is scoping out the glitzy, glamorous jewelry they'll be wearing for New Year's Eve or the year-end office party, you'll be able to snag a beauty like today's VPOD. This vintage 1930s glass necklace is capable of injecting a jolt of style into everything from one of Spring's slouchy t-shirt dresses to a knock-out linen sheath to a sexy string bikini--which means it delivers mucho bang for yo...
More About: Necklace , Vintage , Leaf , Glass

VPOD: Rare Vintage Whiting & Davis Star Series Charlie Chaplin Mesh Pur
2009-11-10 17:09:00
There are some vintage items that are so rare that collectors can wait years to add one to their collections. And today's VPOD is a good example.Back in 1976, to celebrate their 100th Anniversary, Whiting & Davis produced a special series of handbags known as The Star Series . These were unique mesh portrait bags of the silent movie actress Renee Adore, the actress Marion Davis, the actor Clark Gable and that Little Tramp, Charlie Chaplin. These bags are now extremely rare because rumor has it that Whiting & Davis recalled and destroyed most of the purses in order to avoid lawsuits over their use of the stars' likenesses.And that means that today's VPOD, which sold for a mere $10 in the mid-1970s, has appreciated by...oh, about 20,000%!Yes, it's a very rare and valuable find for a vintage fashionista!Available at Fashion House Vintage .(To receive the VPOD via email with detailed size, price and purchase information, sign up for my growing email mailing list here. Your information...
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VPOD: Vintage 1970s Leather/Fur Combo Jacket
2009-11-09 17:36:00
As much as 70 percent of the population reports experiencing deja vu, that eerie feeling of familiarity with something you shouldn't be familiar with. But deja vu literally means "already seen," and that's exactly what I felt this morning while searching for today's VPOD.Everyone talks about how unique vintage clothing is but it is not necessarily one-of-a-kind. Just this morning, for instance, I had a moment of deja vu when I spied this fab 1970s leather bomber jacket with raccoon sleeves. Why? Because I happen to have the same jacket in a darker brown. And while mine is waiting for a trip to have one of its toggles repaired, today's VPOD is in tip-top shape and packing a whole lot of style.It's a fab leather and fur combo for a vintage fashionista!Available at Mill Street Vintage .(To receive the VPOD via email with detailed size, price and purchase information, sign up for my growing email mailing list here. Your information will never be sold or shared and you can unsubscrib...
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Zuburbia VPOW: Divine Diane von Furstenberg Vintage Maxi Dress
2009-11-08 15:52:00
A friend celebrated his last birthday in the Under-40 club this week and that inevitably gets a girl thinking about the process of aging. But in a land where Botox and Restylane are often party appetizers, I choose instead to embrace the attitude of one of my design icons."Every wrinkle is a souvenir," says the Divine Miss D, Diane von Furstenberg. "Its a moment I lived. I don't want to erase any of the moments I've lived."Hear! Hear! And this from a woman who married a prince the first go round and Barry Diller the second, has battled cancer and built a hugely successful fashion business not once but twice! Now I can't guarantee that DVF's moxie will rub off on you if you wear this early 1970s nylon jersey maxi dress in a red-brick knotty pine-like print, but I can guarantee that you'll look and feel fabulous!It's a Diane von Fabulous find for a vintage fashionista!Available now at Zuburbia.(To receive the VPOD via email with detailed size, price and purchase information, sig...
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VPOD: Vintage 1960s Gray Glamour Wool Coat
2009-11-06 19:55:00
When searching for vintage clothing online, it's important that you use the right keywords to find what you want. And heaven forbid you're looking for something gray, because well, there's gray (the American spelling) and then there's grey (the British spelling). Of course, since vintage clothing sellers on both sides of the pond spell this color both ways without any sensible rhyme or reason, the wise online vintage shopper knows to plug both spellings into their search engines.If you do, you'll be rewarded with a treat like today's VPOD. This 1960s vintage wool coat in charcoal gray has a cozy faux fur lining plus faux fur trim, offset toggle buttons, pockets and a whole lot o' style.It's a surefire way to savor gray if you're a vintage fashionista!Available at Mill Street Vintage .(To receive the VPOD via email with detailed size, price and purchase information, sign up for my growing email mailing list here. Your information will never be sold or shared and you can unsub...

VPOD: Vintage Edwardian Bobbin Lace Blouse
2009-11-05 18:09:00
While I've always concentrated on vintage clothing from mid-century, I've spied many an interesting earlier piece. The challenge is finding something from the early 1900s that is in wearable condition and in a size large enough to be worn. Just the other day I discovered a lovely woman's jacket with a 21-inch waist! Even my gifted tailor's magical fingers couldn't make that work for me. So you can imagine my glee over today's VPOD. This bobbin lace blouse in cream and black has old-fashioned charm and could fit a modern woman's body. Pair it with the vintage Yves Saint Laurent skirt shown here to create a modern, chic look.It's a beautiful blast from the past for a vintage fashionista!Blouse available at Uesa Goods Vintage .Skirt available at Zuburbia Green Vintage.(To receive the VPOD via email with detailed size, price and purchase information, sign up for my growing email mailing list here. Your information will never be sold or shared and you can unsubscribe at any time.)

VPOD: A Vintage Nettie Rosenstein Vintage Cuff Bracelet
2009-11-04 17:50:00
Throughout the 1930s and 1940s, Nettie Rosenstein held many distinctions. She was one of the first recipients of the Neiman Marcus Fashion Award in 1938. She was awarded a Coty Award in 1947. And she was known for having some of the highest-priced wholesale clothing in New York City.Back in the 1940s, with price tags ranging from $100 to $500, her clothes may have been out of the reach of most women, but they were well worth the price. Not only were they beautifully constructed out of fabulous fabrics, but Nettie Rosenstein was the Queen of Fit. She had fittings on five different models, who each represented the average women's figure, to make sure each of her dresses would fit like a glove.And in 1961, when she discontinued her fashion business and turned her attention to costume jewelry, perfume and accessories, she maintained her attention to detail and produced some beautiful pieces like today's VPOD.This stunning vintage cuff bracelet is beginning to show some signs of age, b...
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VPOD: Mollie's Magic
2009-03-13 16:34:00
Mollie Parnis made her first design after a football game. Her date invited her to go home and change so he could take her dancing, but she was wearing the only dress she owned. So...she picked up a pair of scissors, chopped off the neckline from her one-and-only dress and replaced it with the lace collar from one of her mother's blouses. Then she added a flower and voila! A designer was born who went on to dress First Ladies Mamie Eisenhower, Betty Ford and Rosalyn Carter.While never known as a design innovator, she did produce well-made, wearable clothing and had a theory: "Good designing doesn't mean dresses you have to throw every year."Amen to that!Today's VPOD features one of her 1970s maxi dresses in a colorful abstract print that would have felt right at home parading at one of the Spring 2009 runway shows. It's a bit of Mollie magic for a vintage fashionista!Available at Annie CreamCheese. (To receive the VPOD via email with detailed size, price and purchase informati...
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VPOD: In the Nude
2009-03-12 17:06:00
Do you feel comfortable in the nude? Proenza Schouler, Ralph Rucci, Carmen Marc Valvo, Anna Sui and Thakoon all went nude this Spring and fashion magazines are encouraging fashionistas to do the same.Nude dressing is quite the oxymoron, isn't it? And it can be a bit hard to pull off. The trick is to choose a garment in a nude shade that creates a bit of contrast by being a shade or two lighter or darker than your complexion. Get inspired with today's VPOD. This easy, breezy 1970s viscose and linen dress is loaded with texture and oh-so-comfy style.It's a great way to go nude for a vintage fashionista!Available at The Urban Collection.(To receive the VPOD via email with detailed size, price and purchase information, sign up for my growing email mailing list here. Your information will never be sold or shared and you can unsubscribe at any time.)Technorati Tags: Fashion, vintage, vintage clothing, 1970s, nude

VPOD: Mini Me
2009-03-11 16:37:00
Why bother with all those boring financial indicators to predict the stock market's performance when you can just look at womens' hemlines? The Hemline Theory says that when skirts are high, the market performs well, and, when skirts are long, well...prepare for new lows. Silly? Perhaps. But it's as valid as whatever methods those CNBC pundits are using to predict what's going to happen--they're less accurate than weathermen!So on the off chance that there is something to this Hemline Theory, we women should do our part and start wearing more minis. And today's VPOD would be a fine choice.This 1960s hand-knit mini-dress has a mod print and the same metal hardware used by Paco Rabanne. It's just fun and fabulous enough to reverse a market downturn all by itself.What an eye-catcher for a vintage fashionista!Available at Swank Vintage.(To receive the VPOD via email with detailed size, price and purchase information, sign up for my growing email mailing list here. Your informati...
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VPOD: Very Valentina
2009-03-10 15:42:00
Kohle Yohannan, author of Valentina : American Couture and the Cult of Celebrity, says that "Valentina's interest in collecting and wearing vintage clothing and accessories was decades ahead of its time." And while she ran a successful couture business from the 1920s to the 1950s that rivaled the likes of Charles James and Mainbocher, and dressed women with the last names of Astor, Vanderbilt and Hearst, she is a designer that has remained in relative obscurity.But that's about to change. The Museum of the City of New York is currently showcasing Valentina's work in an exhibit that runs through May 17th, 2009. A vast array of her work and items from her personal couture collection will be on display and definitely worth a visit. Can't make it? Then the accompanying book by Kohle Yohannan is the next best thing to being there.They're both wonderful eye candy for a vintage fashionista!More information available at mcny.org.(To receive the VPOD via email with detailed size, price...

VPOD: Weiss Up
2009-03-09 17:44:00
Albert Weiss founded Albert Weiss & Company Inc. in 1942 and produced some outstanding rhinestone costume jewelry until the company closed its doors in 1971. But fashionistas need to beware. Cheap imitations of Weiss jewelry have been flooding the market in recent years, especially on eBay, so be sure to purchase your Weiss items form reputable dealers.Today's VPOD features a beautiful Weiss plastic and rhinestone clamper bracelet from the 1950s that is just perfect for Spring. Weiss was known for using only the highest quality rhinestones and boy can you tell the difference! It's a sparkling find for a vintage fashionista!Available at Ambers Attic. (To receive the VPOD via email with detailed size, price and purchase information, sign up for my growing email mailing list here. Your information will never be sold or shared and you can unsubscribe at any time.)Technorati Tags: Fashion, vintage, vintage clothing, 1950s, Weiss, Braclet, Rhinestone, Jewelry

VPOD: Do You Canvas?
2009-03-06 16:12:00
According to the Worldwatch Institute, 100 billion plastic bags are thrown away in the United States every year. That's why Los Angeles and other cities are voting to ban plastic carryout bags from supermarkets and stores. So it's no surprise that reusable shopping bags have become the rage.But is a bag made in China, shipped from overseas, and made with a plastic that will take longer to decompose than our current disposable plastic bags really all that green?Remember, the environmental mantra is "Reduce, Reuse and Recycle." Not "Produce, Reuse and Recycle." So a far better choice would be today's VPOD. This kitschy little trompe l'oeil canvas tote from Roberta di Camerino sunk its production costs way back in the 1960s. And while it's quite a bit more costly than those reusable plastic bags for sale near the check-outs, it's packed with a whole lot more style and a heap of environmental goodwill.And that makes it an eco-fabulous find for a vintage fashionista!Available fro...
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VPOD: Poolside Pucci
2009-03-05 15:58:00
Bikini season is a few months away--sooner if you're planning a Spring break. And as you sculpt your body into bikini-worthy shape with diet and exercise, it's nice to know that a recent study in the New England Journal of Medicine reports that the type of diet you use to slim down doesn't matter as much as sticking to it. That's right. You can forget yo-yo, crash or fad diets. But it won't make one ounce of difference if you follow Atkins, the Zone, Volumetrics, Weight Watchers, the South Beach Diet, the Sonoma Diet or any others. Like a lot of areas of life, it's persistence that pays off.Well, that plus healthy eating and exercise. One in a million can look like Heidi Klum without effort but the rest of us mortals have to work at it. And if you need just a little more motivation, take a look at today's VPOD.This 1960s Pucci bikini is a fabulous reward for all your hard work. And if bikini season approaches and you still feel like you're 10,000 crunches short, you can ju...

VPOD: For What It's Worth
2009-03-04 15:46:00
Recently a not-so-attractive 1920s train engineer's shirt sold on eBay for $7,100 and a 100-year-old pair of Levi's sold for over $36,000. And while these items might have been rescued from life in a thrift store or landfill, there are many other valuable items that aren't rescued because owners aren't aware of their value.Today's VPOD features a gorgeous 1960s coat by Norman Norell in bubblegum pink. Even without getting up close and personal, you can see this garment just oozes quality. Norell was a master, producing couture quality garments for the ready-to-wear market. But I can imagine a 20-something cleaning out her grandmas's or great-grandma's closet, seeing this label, saying "Norell who?" and tossing it into the Goodwill pile.And thrift stores don't know the value of things either. I once found a Jones of New York dress marked $24.99 while a skimpy little Alaia dangling on the hangar next to it was marked $7.99! So, if you think you might...possibly...could...may...
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