The Vintage Blog

It is the beginning of a whole new year for all of us! I am sure everyone has started working on those New Year’s resolutions. One of which I’m sure many people have is to better manage and watch over their finances. I am right there with ya! The holidays and planning a wedding has taken a toll on my pocket book.

The real estate market is in the dumps, and as I have first hand experienced, now simply isn’t the time to sell. So, like many my fiancé and I have taken our home off the market and decided to focus on decorating from the inside out. I want our home to be inviting, and a place that we will want to live in…at least until the market improves.

That being said, Joe and I have different points of view when it comes to home décor. I, of course, like things worn in a little, have a vintage twist, and I love antiques! He prefers the slick lines of the modern age. He likes solid colors and no texture. Yikes! What is a girl to do?

Well, I recently found these cool vinyl wall adhesives that are the perfect combination of vintage style and modern form. They come in different colors and some shop owners will even make them in different sizes at your request. The cool thing is you can just peel them off if you decide you don’t want them anymore, and they don’t ruin your paint job! I am admittedly very new to this whole vinyl wall art stuff, but apparently it has been around for a while. These are the three pieces I’m going to try to convince Joe to add to our home. What do you think?

1) The chandelier will look great in our stairwell. This one is from Etsy artist Lana Kole, and is only $22.
2) The beautiful candle holders I think will look amazing on the wall behind the bar. This one is from Etsy shop Dabble Down, and is $25.
3) Wall sconces are so neat. I think these should go on either side of our bedside. Kind of romantic don’t ya think? They are from Etsy shop Willow Creek Sign, and is $24.95.

I would love to get your opinion! So send your comments!

Did Santa not put anything sparkly under your tree this year? Well, have no fear. I do believe that the moon and the stars are aligning for you! Start your new year off right by investing in yourself. Buy a little something special just for you. You don’t need to spend an arm and a leg for it, but keep in mind that high quality jewelry is an investment. They do not go down in value when you leave the store.

Start your collection small. We found these beautiful moon and star earrings in diamonds and gold and at a price that you can afford to treat yourself!

1) Diamond Star & Crescent Earrings- Heirloom Collection fashioned in 18kw, $165 from Doyle & Doyle.
2) Diamond Outline Crescent Earrings 14k, $285 from Doyle & Doyle.
3) Pave Diamond Double Star Earrings 14k, $245 from Doyle & Doyle.
4) Scatter-set Diamond .56ctw Star Earrings 14k. Designed as a star gypsy-set with .56tctw of round brilliant cut diamonds. Measures 35mm high and 30mm across and fashioned in 14k yellow gold. $750 from Doyle & Doyle.

HAPPY NEW YEARS!

May this new year bring you all more friends, more laughter, more joy, and more vintage finds! Have a wonderful and safe holiday.

From your friends at VSG

 Ok, I realize not everyone lives where it is cold this time of year. So this blog goes out to all those Floridians and Gulf Coast people who still are in search of their perfect New Years Eve outfit. You need something that is fun and outgoing. Well, purple has been a huge trend this Fall going into Winter. It is a great color that looks good on everyone.

This is a fabulous early 80's dress by Diane Von Furstenberg. The wrap style dress has an overlapping bodice with pin tucks edging the neckline. I love the Fuchsia sash. It really gives it an added zest. It is $148 from VintageMartini.com.

This oversized necklace is from a new designer Alison Ward who takes vintage materials and reconstructs them. She was recently mentioned in Daily Candy as one to watch. This particular necklace is made from 1950’s handmade and hand painted shell art flower, vintage metallic ribbon, and reconstructed 1930’s brass chain links. It is $345.00 from Reverienyc.com.

I was lucky enough to spot these matching strappy sandals to complete this fun outfit. They are from the 80s made from purple and red snakeskin. Get them now for $58 from VintageMartini.com.

Coasters are the kind of gift you can give anyone; family member, co-worker, friends, etc. Not to mention they make great stocking stuffers! We found some really unique ones for you!

Made from original 45 records, these coasters will be a huge hit at your next mixer party! You can mix and match to make your set. We chose Olivia Newton-John 45 RPM record. They are just $5.95 each from Etsy shop GTB111. Check them out!

Is your old yearbook collecting dust? Well, this Etsy artist found something useful to make from them! Made from original yearbook pages from the class of 1971 this set of 4 is just $16 from Etsy shop Hey Lady’s. Wonder if they’ll make one using your yearbook? Might be worth asking! That would be super cool!

I just love vintage pattern illustrations! This is such a wonderful way to display them on a year round basis. Made from a McCall Pattern this coaster is just $6 from Etsy shop Robot Candy.

This time of year I like to give thanks to my friends, family, and the joy in life. We hope all of you are having a wonderful holiday spending time with those you care about. May this new year bring you all more love, more laughter, and more prosperity. Happy holidays from VSG!

With any luck you are done with all your holiday shopping. Now it is time to focus on a much more fun type of shopping, such as that all important New Years Eve outfit! Are you attending a fancy bash held at some ritzy hotel? Or perhaps a black tie sit down dinner with your closest 200 friends? Whatever your function you will want to look sophisticated and chic. Black is always a smart choice.

We picked out a very elegant outfit for you to consider. This long, slim fitting dress is a 1970's black crochet evening gown by St. Johns Knits. The stand up collar is very sophisticated looking, and I love the beautiful belt with rhinestone buckle. This dress also comes with a matching jacket to keep your arms warm coming and going from the party. It is $165 from VintageMartini.com.

A clutch purse is always a great choice for a party. And they have become more and more popular. This one is a Pierre Balmain logo clutch from the 70’s. It is $125 from PoshVintage.com.

These black satin heels are so choice! They have a hidden platform and a toe cleavage keyhole cut out design. Black ribbon and miniature mirror that is etched “Christian Dior.” They are $325 from VintageMartini.com.

We know big ticket jewelry items may not be in vogue right now, but you can still give a gift of jewelry that will make her squeal with excitement! Charm bracelets never go out of style and they are worn at any age. People love to purchase fun little charms that remind them of a moment in time. They are also great conversation starters! These adorable charms are certainly odd little choices but their quirkiness is just what makes them all the more appealing!

These are available from Doyle & Doyle, an estate jewelry boutique at 189 Orchard Street in the lower east side of Manhattan.

1) Flower Pitcher Charm, 14k yellow gold, $385 from Doyle & Doyle
2) Teapot Charm, 14k yellow gold, $275 from Doyle & Doyle
3) Fan Charm, 18k rose gold, $250 from Doyle & Doyle

We are always looking to improve VintageShoppingGuide.com. As we go forward into the New Year we would like to get your feedback on some possible updates to the site. Please take a moment to take this quick 8 question survey from Survey Monkey. We would really appreciate it! Click here to start!

This year many companies are snappy their wallets shut, and cutting back on unnecessary expenditures, including office holiday parties. Now, depending on who you work with that is either a blessing or a bummer.

If you are one of the lucky co-workers that get to graze the buffet and snap pictures of your cubicle-mates making fools of themselves, then go and be merry! But first, here is a little tip: An office party is not the time to showcase your low plunging necklines or flirty dresses! No. You should go dressed up office appropriate. That means, adding a little shine or shimmer to your outfit, but still keep it chic. Add sparkling accessories, and do up your hair and make-up. The last thing you want is for your picture to show up on the office intranet and you looking like you just stepped out of an all night rage party!

I think this dress is perfect for an office party. It says, “I am a professional woman who knows how to have fun!” It is made in England by London designer, Frank Usher. It has beautiful black lace and satin trim. $195 from Vintageous.com.

Elongated clutches are hip now days and this 1940’s little number is long on style and short on price. The simple black leather design is elegant and you will be able to use it for years to come! Made by Etra. $75 from RetroDesignerDeals.com.

These contrast peep toes add a little kick without sending all your focus to your feet. They are 1970s Givenchy are cream leather with patent leather criss-cross trim. $175 from PoshVintage.com.

Clutches are big accessory items this holiday season, especially the extra wide ones. They are sleek and elegant and can add some extra zing to your party going outfit.

1) This brown patent vinyl alligator embossed clutch gives a sophisticated look for the professional woman stepping out after a long day at the office. It is $40 from RetroDesignDeals.com.
2) Paisley is always a sign of the winter season. The multi color will help it go with just about any outfit. Worn with a solid dress, adds some print interest. It is $58 from RetroDesignDeals.com.
3) Studs are back! This faux leather off white clutch has gold studs all over to give it that rock and roll edge. It is $60 from RetroDesignerDeals.com.
4) Add some sparkle to your outfit with metallic accessories. This gold and bronze patchwork metallic clutch is great. It is $105 from PoshVintage.com.

Another fun collectable item is ladies compacts. Believe it or not, this vanity treasure is a hot item and can fetch hundreds of dollars. Most people think of the round shaped powder type compacts that you see from cosmetic companies such as Cody, Mary Kay, or Clinique. That is certainly one type. However, a ladies compact use to also be for mirrors for her to check her face. And they didn’t always come in round or square that she would stuff away in her purse. Some were made almost like mini purses. They called them “finger rings” because they would hang from a key ring shape like the one to the bottom left.

If your lucky lady likes to collect these beauties, then there is a wonderful array of shapes, styles, and materials they were made from. The prices vary based on material and age and sometimes by designer.

I went with a sparkle theme when choosing the compact selections for this blog. I think they go with the festive season! First up is a beautiful, 1950’s gold metallic, confetti Lucite, square shaped compact. It is $40 from DecoDame.com.

Next is a sterling silver octagon shapes compact. The center cartouche is clear for your initials. What a great way to personalize a gift! It is $125 from DecoDame.com.

Finally, this Evans needlepoint has metallic mesh fringe. This flapper style is $125 from DecoDame.com.

Vintage scarves make great gifts for the lady on your list! They come in a gazillion patterns to choose from. They are very colorful and beautiful. They are usually fairly inexpensive unless it is a designer label. And you can get them just about at any vintage store, or online shop.

There are a few different shapes to choose from like a small square, a long rectangle, or an oversized square to be worn over the shoulders. People wear scarves in many different ways: Around their head to block the wind, around the neck to add a little pop, around the waist, tied around a purse, etc.

This aqua colored daisy print is from Plaid Pony Vintage. It is $12.

Next, is a gorgeous 70’s Ungaro scarf in Navy with mod flowers. It is $135 from PoshVintage.com.

Finally, I’ve read about how a few interior designers have used vintage scarves to make pillow covers, chair covers, quilts, and much more. I think that’s a fabulous idea! Especially if you have a bunch of old scarves that you are not wearing anymore, but still love the colors. I found this great How To article from The Vintage Scarf and wanted to share it with you.

Women, young and old, love to collect vintage perfume bottles. They used to be crafted with such an artistic hand. Many were made from crystal, or blown glass, intricately etched with romantic decorations. Perfume bottles make a wonderful gift because you can put the recipient’s favorite perfume inside. They can still be used today or you can start a collection and showcase them. They come in a wide variety of shapes, colors, and price ranges. You can find them online on eBay, or just about any thrift store. Just buy what you love; what looks the most interesting to you!

The below all come from This N’ That Collectibles in NYC.

1) These three bottles are purse bottles. They are made from Czech Republic and are $35 each.
2) These fun colorful bottles are gorgeous! The pink one on the left in Czech and is $395. The yellow one in back has a whimsical top to it. It is $275. The blue one on the right is $75.
3) This blue bow perfume bottle is made from Baccarot crystal and is very collectable. It is $700.
4) These three black bottles are all from Czech Republic. The one on the left has an etched angle design and is $125. The one in back has an Art Deco design and is $225. The one on the left has a cute bulldog design and is $850. All are made with crystal.

So what do you buy for that geeky brother or techy buddy of yours? They always seem to have the latest gadget and are up on all the updates. Well, many green designers are finding love by meshing the tech world with the past. You can find laptop cases, iPod and iPhone cases all made from vintage fabrics. What a unique gift!

In the past couple years, plenty of laptop-bag makers have ventured beyond the ubiquitous black-nylon clones. Janine King, makes this stylish paisley printed laptop case. It is $69.99. She is one of our Etsy artist favorites!

Looking for a slightly less expensive gift? How about a iPod or iPhone cover made from recycled vintage fabrics? These next two items are from Blythe King, another Etsy artist who uses a variety of vintage fabrics that she has collected over the years. Each one is different and goes for $20 and $10 respectively.

Finally, protect your iPod in style. This handmade case by