Tuesday, October 30, 2012



Longtime VFG member Jonathan Walford's books are always eagerly anticipated. The subject of his writings range from shoes, to forties fashion, to paper dresses. His latest is 1950s American Fashion.


The 1950s was the first decade when American fashion became truly American. The United States had historically relied upon Europe for its style leads, but during World War II, when necessity became the mother of invention, the country had to find its own way. American designers looked to what American women needed and found new inspirations for American fashion design. 
Sportswear became a strength, but not at the expense of elegance. Easy wear materials were borrowed for producing more formal clothes, and versatile separates and adaptable dress and jacket suits became hallmarks of American style. This book follows the American fashion industry, from New York’s 7th Avenue to the beaches of California in search of the clothes that created 1950s American fashion.

To purchase 1950s American Fashion, visit Jonathan Walford’s Amazon page





Sunday, October 28, 2012

Ruby Lane Featured Seller

I now have the pleasure of introducing our 2nd featured seller for the VFG Ruby Lane blog and here is  Susan from Casa Diva Vintage

1. What was your first vintage acquisition and where is it now?
A mint green 50's prom dress that I bought in 1978 for a skit at school. Sadly, I don't know what happened to it.

 
2.  What was your favorite or best buy ever?
Oh my there have been so many. I guess probably the Ceil Chapman pantsuit I found at the thrift. 

3.  What was your most unusual buying experience?
I was wearing a vintage necklace while visiting with my uncle at his senior apartment complex. The manager said to me "oh you like that old junk?" I told her she would be surprised at the value of some vintage costume pieces. She went inside her apartment and came out with a large shoe box filled with brooches, earrings, necklaces, etc. She said "Here take this. I was going to donate it anyway". The first piece I pulled out was a Hollycraft Christmas Tree brooch. It just kept getting better from there. I couldn't in good conscience take the box from her so we settled on a fair price. 

4.  If you had a time machine which decade or year would you
choose to go back to and bring back some clothing or jewelry ?
Definitely the 50's for me. 

5.  What are your favorite, most helpful reference materials/sources?
The VFG, classic movies, vintage magazines

6.  What item were you most tempted to keep that is available in
your shop right now?
The Sydney North dress. It is amazing but I'm just too much of a homebody to have anywhere to wear it. 


Here are some lovely items from Susan's shop Casa Diva Vintage on Ruby Lane











VFG Fashion Parade Oct 22: Arsenic and Old Lace

Arsenic and Old Lace

Well, we'll skip the poison, but our lineup of vintage fashion this week will star killer vintage lace.


           Vintage Bronze Lace Full Skirted Party Dress offered by Catseye Vintage


          1930s or earlier Vintage Ecru LACE COLLAR available at Jazzbug Jam


Vintage 60s Black Lace Cocktail Dress for sale now at Personal Pursuits
 
 
 
 
You can find more fabulous vintage items from more sellers at the
 
 
 
 
 



Sunday, October 21, 2012

VFG Fashion Parade for October 15: Around The World in 80 Ways

Around the World in 80 Ways

Moroccan burnoose, Indian sari, Scottish kilt, Chinese qipao, Swedish clogs, Mexican serape, West African dashiki, German dirndl, Japanese kimono…this week, find vintage clothing from around the world.


                      Treacy Lowe 1970s embroidered caftan dress offered by Viva Vintage Clothing


                                              Czech Green Parure available at Linn's Collection


                              Vintage 70s Welsh Tapestry Coat listed now at Big Yellow Taxi Vintage



You can find more fabulous vintage items from more sellers at the





Sunday, October 14, 2012

VFG Fashion Parade for week of Oct 8: The Flair of Peplums

The Flair of Peplums


One look at fall runways and it is easy to see that peplums are a designer favorite.
Find the original charmers among the offerings from VFG trade members this week.
 
 
Vintage 40s MOLLIE PARNIS Black Rayon Peplum Cocktail Dress
offered by  Vintage Devotion
 
 
Vintage 40s Simplicity Peplum Dress Sewing Pattern from Joules Vintage
 
 
Peggy Hunt Jean Carol Label 30s Burgundy Taffeta Long Dress
available at Denise Brain
 
 
 
 
You can find more fabulous vintage items from more sellers at the