ZANDRIA RHODES 1969
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
We are doing it again.. a website....it will be http://www.vintagedivaantiques.com/. Just started working on it. We have gotten the pages set up... now the fun comes photographing all the vintage dresses, hats, purses that are lougeing around the house. Just wait and see what we come up with for spring and summer.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Monday, February 13, 2012
A look at the Runway through the eye of Vintage Diva
The runway shows are being presented for our favor.
The folks in the audience are not generally the average American woman that does the average American things such as being a parent and holding down a fulltime job, young women with limited funds, an woman of a certain age, women of a healthy not a size zero, or a woman that does not have unlimited funds to dress in designer clothes very day.
The folks in the audience are not generally the average American woman that does the average American things such as being a parent and holding down a fulltime job, young women with limited funds, an woman of a certain age, women of a healthy not a size zero, or a woman that does not have unlimited funds to dress in designer clothes very day.
There are the young women who have the street style that Vogue and the New York times are fond of capturing on film. These women of style that use designer pieces, vintage pieces and something that they caught on sale at the local discount emporium. These creatures are usually in large cities. The rest of the world work live in small to medium size towns and cities. Vogue is the wish book for many like the Sear Roebuck catalog was for their grandparents. Vogue is my peek into the future of what will be the next great thing in vintage.
I am a woman of a certain age(the new euphemism of late middle age) and my size 1 shape disappeared when my grey hair started to arrive in mass. I always like to see what is coming up on the fashion horizon even though I will not be wearing it. Since I like vintage clothes too then I can predict for myself what will be the new vintage in twenty years.
I looked at color, wear ability, style and the messages that the woman may send out when she wears that style.
The music that is running through all collections reviewed so far is black is the color, slacks are usually set up for high water, military tone, boots over the knee to booties. The designs of most designers are for the young women in their 20s and 30s. The ladies in their 40’s and beyond hopefully will have good sense in selecting their garments from this year’s RTW collections. So here is the Vintage Diva's opinion for this year’s designs. You may agree or disagree but here goes.....
Zac Posen An updated the 1930s to 1940s feel to the dresses and suits. There is an real elegance to his designs and there are good color choices. This is a collection for a women that knows who she is. http://www.vogue.com/collections/fall-2012-rtw/zac-posen/review/#/collection/runway/fall-2012-rtw/zac-posen
Diane Von Furstenberg Her collection is wearable with good colors and Strong patterns with a little tongue in cheek humor in some her garments. http://www.vogue.com/collections/fall-2012-rtw/diane-von-furstenberg/review/
DKNY The standard DK colors. Finally a design who does not send our her models bare legged on to the runway. The black hosiery tied the garment to the shoes making a smart presentation. This is a great collection for working women and the designer stay true to her vision. http://www.vogue.com/collections/fall-2012-rtw/dkny/review/
Jason Wu The touches of orient and military in designs were great. A very wearable collection with an interesting and attractive look. http://www.vogue.com/collections/fall-2012-rtw/jason-wu/review/
Prabal Garung Black, Black…hated the visor headpiece. The clothes were interesting and the white evening gown with feathers from knee to ground was beautiful. http://www.vogue.com/collections/fall-2012-rtw/prabal-gurung/review/
Rag & Bone Nice suits and slacks. Lots of black. The collection is good for woman in their 20s to 30s in an cosmopolitan area. http://www.vogue.com/collections/fall-2012-rtw/rag-bone/review/
Tharoon Most of the collection is wearable 1980’s style with smaller shoulder pads lots of black but with spots of color.
Sumo The clothing was nice but not as the models were dressed. It a good separate collection.
Tommy Hilfiger Black and white are his colors for fall with strokes of color. Red and yellow vinyl looking leather shows in coats, slacks, and skirts. I think that the whole collections has the innocence of a school girl look with a shot of military feel. Not a good look for the more mature women 30+ and not a good look for the young women in the business world. Naïve is a negative in the work place.
Alexander Wang Black and white are his colors for fall. I can say ditto for Alexander and Tommy’s collections. http://www.vogue.com/collections/fall-2012-rtw/alexander-wang/review/
Derek Lam Small prints, black, white and red colors this collection with lots of ankle length slacks with booties. Great for the 30’s something woman who does not have the standard type office job. http://www.vogue.com/collections/fall-2012-rtw/mdlam/review/
Philip Lim A tone of super hero cartoons in his work. His slacks are okay but the skirts and dresses are dowdy. http://www.vogue.com/collections/fall-2012-rtw/mdlam/review/
Band of Outsiders The prairie look needs to shade into the sunset. The black evening dresses are grand and the coats are wearable. http://www.vogue.com/collections/fall-2012-rtw/band-of-outsiders/review/
BCBG Max Azria The collection has a boxy, geometric feel to the clothes using browns and oranges. There is an edge to the clothes that may not work for the average women. Even if a women lives in a box, she certainly does not want to have her sharp edges showing. http://www.vogue.com/collections/fall-2012-rtw/mbcbg/review/
Peter Som Not wearable for the regular woman…too much volume in shoulders. http://www.vogue.com/collections/fall-2012-rtw/peter-som/review/
Altuzarra Black material and small prints and the garments Are “ what every femme fatale in the spy game wants to wear during the cold war!” http://www.vogue.com/collections/fall-2012-rtw/altuzarra/review/
Victoria Beckham This is a drab collection with a housewifey feel . http://www.vogue.com/collections/fall-2012-rtw/victoria-beckham/review/
Lacoste The designer is true to past collections. On the clothing my question is—Where the alligator? Thank God for him that it’s an Olympic year! http://www.vogue.com/collections/fall-2012-rtw/lacoste/review/
Creature of the Wind A great collection for your teenager.
Organic By John Patrick Why??? It is a depressing look. http://www.vogue.com/collections/fall-2012-rtw/organic-by-john-patrick/review/
My vote is in for the vintage prospects for these designers… Diane Von Furstenberg and Zac Posen. What are your guesses for future vintage?
Vintage Love,
Vintage Diva
Vintage Diva
Friday, November 4, 2011
Time to go shopping ??????
The lovely lace dress that Audrey Hepburn wore to accept her Oscar in 1954 for Roman Holiday is up for auction.
The ivory colored now iconic lace gown that Hepburn wore when she collected her one and only Oscar which she got for Best Actress will be going on auction by the end of this month.
The piece was reportedly adapted from a version designed by Edith Head that the actress wore in the last scene of the film in 1952.
She had the bodice changed by Givenchy to make it more of an evening gown. The delicate, sleeveless and belted lace dress features a full, flounced skirt and two spaghetti straps on the back.
The vintage lace dress was then stored away in a box at the bottom of a wardrobe, until it was decided to sell it, giving it to Kerry Taylor Auctions.
The gorgeous lace dress is slated to bring between $64,101 to $96,170! The auction is scheduled for Tuesday, November 29 at 2:00 pm at La Galleria on 30 Royal Opera Arcade in Pall Mall, London.
The ivory colored now iconic lace gown that Hepburn wore when she collected her one and only Oscar which she got for Best Actress will be going on auction by the end of this month.
The piece was reportedly adapted from a version designed by Edith Head that the actress wore in the last scene of the film in 1952.
She had the bodice changed by Givenchy to make it more of an evening gown. The delicate, sleeveless and belted lace dress features a full, flounced skirt and two spaghetti straps on the back.
The vintage lace dress was then stored away in a box at the bottom of a wardrobe, until it was decided to sell it, giving it to Kerry Taylor Auctions.
The gorgeous lace dress is slated to bring between $64,101 to $96,170! The auction is scheduled for Tuesday, November 29 at 2:00 pm at La Galleria on 30 Royal Opera Arcade in Pall Mall, London.
Monday, October 24, 2011
How to shop for fabulous vintage clothes
The clothing is more than something you put in the morning. Clothing represents – its values, its style and identity. There are so many different styles people choose to represent themselves. Vintage clothing is a specific style that many people are making their own. In fact, vintage clothing has set the fashion world on fire.
Not everyone understands what is vintage clothing. It is clothing that comes from an earlier era and are available in limited quantities. In fact, no two vintage clothing items are exactly alike. While there are a large number of people who appreciate vintage style, not everyone knows where to go to buy these items. It can be difficult to find quality vintage shop. Access to good fashion should be easily available to everyone.
Vintage clothes never go out of fashion. To find great fashionable vintage pieces you need to have a good eye and a plan. Before you go vintage shopping, you need to access your existing wardrobe. Look at your skirts, slacks, and favorite jeans especially. One of the easiest ways to put together a great vintage outfit is to pair a vintage piece with a modern piece you already own. This will make shopping easier on you and your checking account. So remember to pair with the basics that you already have.
Know what you love because vintage clothing shopping, it can be overwhelming. When shopping on line and the web site may haves more pictures than you can process. The sellers on line are trying to help you see the clothing from all angles plus any flaws that that the clothing may have. Take your time. Always ask for help by emailing the web site when you find that vintage piece that you are thinking about buying and ask questions.
Find styles, or time periods that you really love and fit your body style. Always do research on vintage clothing before starting to collect and wear vintage.
You need to know about the sizing of vintage clothing. A size 6 today is NOT the same as a size 6 from 50 years ago. Vintage clothing is generally 1-2 sizes smaller than they are today. Sizing has changed with each decade, so the truth is that although you might wear a size 4 in 2011, you could be a 6 or 8 in 1940s-era clothing. When shopping online, most vintage seller measure the garments flat. Check the site’s sizing charts or measuring policy of the web site that you are shopping.
Not everyone understands what is vintage clothing. It is clothing that comes from an earlier era and are available in limited quantities. In fact, no two vintage clothing items are exactly alike. While there are a large number of people who appreciate vintage style, not everyone knows where to go to buy these items. It can be difficult to find quality vintage shop. Access to good fashion should be easily available to everyone.
Vintage clothes never go out of fashion. To find great fashionable vintage pieces you need to have a good eye and a plan. Before you go vintage shopping, you need to access your existing wardrobe. Look at your skirts, slacks, and favorite jeans especially. One of the easiest ways to put together a great vintage outfit is to pair a vintage piece with a modern piece you already own. This will make shopping easier on you and your checking account. So remember to pair with the basics that you already have.
Know what you love because vintage clothing shopping, it can be overwhelming. When shopping on line and the web site may haves more pictures than you can process. The sellers on line are trying to help you see the clothing from all angles plus any flaws that that the clothing may have. Take your time. Always ask for help by emailing the web site when you find that vintage piece that you are thinking about buying and ask questions.
Find styles, or time periods that you really love and fit your body style. Always do research on vintage clothing before starting to collect and wear vintage.
You need to know about the sizing of vintage clothing. A size 6 today is NOT the same as a size 6 from 50 years ago. Vintage clothing is generally 1-2 sizes smaller than they are today. Sizing has changed with each decade, so the truth is that although you might wear a size 4 in 2011, you could be a 6 or 8 in 1940s-era clothing. When shopping online, most vintage seller measure the garments flat. Check the site’s sizing charts or measuring policy of the web site that you are shopping.
Friday, August 19, 2011
Thursday, April 28, 2011
DRESSING IN THE 1930'S
Women in the 1930 had style but not a lot of clothes. Style comes from wearing a hat cocked just right and shoes that are shined, and putting yourself together before leaving the house.
The 1930s had terrific dresses, sensible yet feminine shoes, and cloches. To get the look right by starting with the right foundations. Back then, women wore girdles, and stockings hooked onto garters. The bras have to be right, and slips are worn.
For those who want to check online for the correct underpinnings, try GirdleShop . While some vintage girdles are available on other sites but remember girdle fabric doesn't hold up to the decades.
Also , you need to have the right shoes.
The dresses for the 1930s, you need to look for dresses with no back zippers. The dresses had side zippers. And while we're talking about the genuine silhouette of a dress then - no shoulder pads and from rayon print material.
The 1930s had terrific dresses, sensible yet feminine shoes, and cloches. To get the look right by starting with the right foundations. Back then, women wore girdles, and stockings hooked onto garters. The bras have to be right, and slips are worn.
For those who want to check online for the correct underpinnings, try GirdleShop . While some vintage girdles are available on other sites but remember girdle fabric doesn't hold up to the decades.
Also , you need to have the right shoes.
The dresses for the 1930s, you need to look for dresses with no back zippers. The dresses had side zippers. And while we're talking about the genuine silhouette of a dress then - no shoulder pads and from rayon print material.
Friday, April 22, 2011
All I need to know I learned from the Easter Bunny
• Everyone needs a friend who is all ears.
• There's no such thing as too much candy.
• All work and no play can make you a basket case.
• A cute tail attracts a lot of attention.
• Everyone is entitled to a bad hare day.
• Let happy thoughts multiply like rabbits.
• Some body parts should be floppy.
• Keep your paws off of other people's jelly beans.
• Good things come in small, sugar coated packages.
Monday, April 18, 2011
Laver's Law of Fashion
I stumbled upon an interesting way to measure if you are appropriate in your dress, it is Laver’s Law. James Laver (1899-1975) who was an author, art historian, and museum curator who acted as Keeper of Prints, Drawings and Paintings for the Victoria and Albert Museum between 1938 and 1959 created Laver’s Law. It was his attempt to compress the complex cycle of fashion change and the general attitude towards any certain style or period into a simple timeline. It first appeared in Taste and Fashion (1937):
Indecent 10 years before its time
Shameless 5 years before its time
Outré (Daring) 1 year before its time
Smart 'Current Fashion'
Dowdy 1 year after its time
Hideous 10 years after its time
Ridiculous 20 years after its time
Amusing 30 years after its time
Quaint 50 years after its time
Charming 70 years after its time
Romantic 100 years after its time
Beautiful 150 years after its time
He was also an important and pioneering fashion historian described as "the man in England who made the study of costume respectable. Why not check your wardrobe now and eliminate dowdy, hideous or ridiculous items. Perhaps anything older has a certain museum quality or will come in handy for those 70's revival nights. Seriously if it is older than 20 years and it has a good label and in good condition it may be valuable - ONE DAY - it is almost certainly already being collected by someone somewhere in the world and is described as vintage.
Stanley Marcus, the former president of Neiman Marcus, recounts in his memoir Minding the Store how Laver’s Law was used by Neiman Marcus clothes buyers in the late 60’s. There was a heated internal debate on whether the trend for that next year would still be the mini skirt (which was the current fashion) or the longer midi skirt. Marcus asked Laver point blank if the mini skirt was dead. Laver told him that the mini skirt had at least another 2 years to go — against expert opinion at the time. His forecast was right, the midi was a complete flop, many women continued to wear the miniskirt, and those who couldn’t or wouldn’t make up their minds went into the pants suit. Pants were bound to come, but the skirt-length controversy made pants acceptable at an accelerated rate.
Do you think it applies today in the average person dressing plan? If you walk the street in your town, you will find an array of dressing styles from the sedate (ladies with proper teas dresses) to the tough and wild (biker babes in Ed hardy and Harley Davidson covered in tats). Just look around at your local mall or shopping center. Just remember that in a few years it’ll start to look bad. In 10 years it’ll look REALLY bad. Then, after some time, it will be appreciated — or even revered — again.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Hats of Bill Cunningham from the New York Times
What a surprise I had when I was reading the New York Times this morning and found out that their writer Bill Cunningham had created some marvelous hats starting in the 1950’s . His colleagues in The Times’s photo got him to share photographs of the hats he had concocted decades ago as an aspiring — and very imaginative — young milliner.
Mr. Cunningham designed his first hat for his mother to wear to the World’s Fair of 1939 and she decided not to wear it. He continued working as a milliner under the name William J. because he did not used his last name because his family was embarrassed until the late 1950s.
Mr. Cunningham’s inspirations came from nature. He enjoyed working with feathers. His hats were different but stylish. In the New York Times article he said that he did not make a living off of his designs but they paid for themselves. He said that he didn't think that many sold because he created exotic hats.
I would love to be able to wear one of his little cocktail hats. I think his hats would be such fun to wear.
Please go to this link and see the wonderful hats that he created.
http://lens.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/03/29/bill-cunningham-a-rare-birds-feathers/?ref=fashion
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Things to remember
Today was not a good day so these are things that I need to remember. The next posts will be more on vintage clothing. Take care.
Love,
Vintage Diva
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
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