Vintage Fashion Guild

January 23rd Fashion Parade: Vintage in the Land of Oz

2012-01-29T08:58:00.004-05:00

Vintage in the Land of Oz

Australia Day is January 26, and we are celebrating all week with vintage clothing perfect for the summer weather Down Under.

The vintage scene is thriving in Australia, and we salute our trade members, and our great customers, on that continent.

Vintage Pali Hand Print Cold Rayon Men's Hawaiian Shirt available at Catseye Vintage

Vintage 70s Beaded Platform Sandals Shoes offered by The Spectrum

1950s Sea Stars Flirty Bubble Swimsuit available at Vivian Belle Vintage

You can find more fabulous vintage items from more sellers at the VINTAGE FASHION GUILD WEEKLY FASHION PARADE!

VFG Etsy Treasury ~ The Vintage Blues!

2012-01-23T09:53:00.000-05:00

'The Vintage Blues!' by VintagefromVermont

Members of the Vintage Fashion Guild love their blues.

Vintage 50s Dress S... CatseyeVintage $99.99	25% off SALE until ... Frocksmith $70.00	Vintage Cobalt Blue... PinkyAGoGo $12.99	80s Glitzy Sequin N... MorningGloriou... $48.00
Vintage 1950s Sapph... daisyfairbanks $52.00	Vintage Blue Enamel... TheVintageMerc... $12.00	Vintage 60s Blue Fl... bigyellowtaxiv... $18.00	Vintage 1980s Blue ... PersonalPursui... $77.00
Vintage 1950s Powde... VintageFanAtti... $85.00	Vintage 20s Deco Ne... metroretrovint... $79.95	60s Vintage Blue Ha... denisebrain $24.00	60s Vintage Dynasty... JoulesVintage $195.00
80s Vintage Blue Pr... MagsRagsVintag... $34.00	Vintage Hat 1940s 4... alleycatsvinta... $54.00	Ruched Silk Peplum ... ClubVintage $64.00	50s vintage baby bl... JojosRetroandV... $135.00

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

January 16th Fashion Parade: Sweet Nothings

2012-01-22T09:16:00.004-05:00

They just don't make lingerie like they used to!

Visit the VFG lingerie resource for inspiration, then see what choices are in store from VFG members.

Vintage 40s Pink Satin Nightgown Negligee offered by Big Yellow Taxi

ca. 1950's Owen Bros. Silk Pajamas available at Noble Savage Vintage

Vintage 40s Bias Cut Silk Nightgown Mint Green with Beige Lace from Alley Cats Vintage

You can find more fabulous vintage items from more sellers at the VINTAGE FASHION GUILD WEEKLY FASHION PARADE!

A Little of This - A Little of That and a Lot of Vintage Color ~ VFG Etsy Treasury

2012-01-18T13:02:00.000-05:00

'A Little of This - A Little of That and a Lot of Vintage Color' by VintageFanAttic

Here are some wonderful vintage items in rich colours to brighten up a winter day all from members of the Vintage Fashion Guild!

1889- 1890 Vintage ... pastperfectvin... $225.00	Antique Beaded Bag ... anothertimeant... $120.00	1920s Parasol Lady ... TheVintageMerc... $32.00	Vintage 30s Rose Pu... TheSpectrum $35.00
Irridescent Red 198... badgirlvintage $140.00	Vintage 1950's ... TheVintageVort... $125.00	Vintage 1930s Vibra... adelinesattic $178.00	Vintage 60s Dress V... metroretrovint... $129.95
50s Mexican Hand Pa... denisebrain $64.00	Vintage 70s Cropped... bigyellowtaxiv... $58.00	vtg 1960s Red and B... scarletbirdvin... $85.00	Vintage 70s Mini Ve... VintagefromVer... $14.00
Purple Sheer Paisle... MorningGloriou... $49.00	3 Vintage 1940s Swi... PinkyAGoGo $24.99	70s Mod Vintage Shi... JoulesVintage $18.00	Vintage 80s Navajo ... northstarvinta... $60.00

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

Etsy VFGteam Featured Seller

2012-01-16T10:27:00.000-05:00

Welcome to our new VFG Blog series featuring members of the VFGteam at Etsy!

You will be introduced to a different Team member in each new post. Please check out our Team Gallery page here.

Today's featured seller is Maggie Wilds and you can visit her shop denisebrain here.

1. When did you first get interested in vintage fashion & why?

I have worn vintage clothing since I raided my mother's closet as a young teenager. I grew up around some older stashes of clothing and supplemented my handmade clothes with items from the 30s-50s. I frequented the 2nd hand and vintage stores near my high school in Seattle, ca. 1975-78 — a great time and place for vintage.

2. Do you regularly wear vintage?

Every day, but not a full head-to-toe look. I usually mix in a piece or two because much of my wardrobe is vintage.

3. Do you have a Holy Grail?

Let's see… Poiret, an original Dior New Look item, an item from any designer working in Paris during WWII, anything by Charles James. I always joke that I want Peace on Earth, because anything by Charles James is much farther out of reach!

4. If you could visit the atelier of any fashion designer (dead or alive), who would it be?

Claire McCardell. I would love to have visited France with her while she ignored Paris fashions in the 40s, then accompany her home to New York and see her capture the spirit of 20s Vionnet (whom she studied at Parsons in the late 20s) in her breathtakingly modern way. To me, this seems like a great amalgam of knowledge, empathy (with what women would want to wear), means and creativity. I would just like to watch her work.

5. What do you see as the future of vintage?

That's a great question. I am terribly concerned with everyday clothing at present because so much of it is not worth preserving for future use. Designer, top-of-the-line clothing is often well made and beautifully designed, but what middle class people wear is often inadequate.

I go back to Claire McCardell because she dealt so well with constraints, and flourished almost more because of them. I don't know why we can't have solid style and decently paid garment manufacturers creating items worth maintaining and preserving.

6. What is your favorite item in your shop?

You are asking a mother to choose her favorite child! :) I guess I'd have to say it is this dramatic 30s gown that had me at hello and then I found out its label is Jean Carol, designed by the great Peggy Hunt. No wonder it is unusually interesting and beautiful.

Here are a few more items from Maggie's shop:

50s Illusion, Lace, Rhinestones & Rayon Sheath Dress - Gorgeous Neckline M

50s Pink Cotton Game Novelty Print Skirt Masterpiece Prints 1953 Original Artists Design Pastimes S

Early 30s Black Silk Coat w/ Beautiful Silk Moire Taffeta Ties

1890s Victorian Black Silk Velvet Capelet with Citrine Green Ikat Silk Ruffle

January 9th VFG Fashion Parade: Beatnik Cool

2012-01-15T08:21:00.004-05:00

Beatnik style did and does look cool, daddy-o.

Characterized by Audrey Hepburn's dance in Funny Face, men wore goatees, women wore their hair straight, with black leotards, striped tops, turtlenecks and skinny jeans.

Don't forget your bongo, dig?

Black velvet 1950s blouse with pointed hem available at
Viva Vintage Clothing

80s White Woven Leather Ballet Beatnik Rockabilly Shoes from Bijou Bohemia Vintage

1950s French Inspired Navy Blue Lancaster Beret offered by KitschNCollectibles

You can find more fabulous vintage items from more sellers at the VINTAGE FASHION GUILD WEEKLY FASHION PARADE!

VFG Etsy Treasury ~ Red is the Color of My True Love's Vintage

2012-01-14T16:26:00.000-05:00

'Red is the Color of My True Love's Vintage' by thespectrum

Happy Valentine's Day from the Vintage Fashion Guild!

Man Killer Red Dres... walkbymoonligh... $45.00	Cherry Red Hearts B... JoulesVintage $4.99	Vintage 40s Bakelit... metroretrovint... $69.95	40's Vintage Re... MorningGloriou... $46.00
Lipstick Red Mojud ... LessThanPerfec... $22.00	Vintage LUIS ESTEVE... Catbooks1940s $275.00	Vintage 1940s Film ... PinkyAGoGo $85.99	80s as 50s vintage ... JojosRetroandV... $59.00
Vintage 60s LIPSTIC... VintageDevotio... $79.99	Vintage Hat Wide Br... alleycatsvinta... $40.00	Vintage 80s Red Lea... bigyellowtaxiv... $115.00	Vintage 80s ZODIAC ... northstarvinta... $140.00
Vintage 50s Red Vel... TheSpectrum $15.00	Vintage 1980s Anne ... SweetMelissasV... $59.00	60s Vintage Red Rib... denisebrain $29.00	Vintage Rayon Hawai... StelmaDesigns $50.00

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

Happy New Year to All! January 2nd Fashion Parade: White Out

2012-01-08T08:30:00.005-05:00

Snow and ice is typically in January's weather forecast, and the vintage forecast for the week is for white clothing and rhinestones, together and on their own.

Mother Nature may pale in comparison!

VINTAGE 1950'S SHEER NYLON & RHINESTONE BLOUSE available at Corsets and Crinolines

Vintage 1960s White Wicker and Lucite Beaded Purse offered by Vintage Fan Attic

60s Vintage White Chiffon Formal Dress from Jojo's Retro and Vintage

You can find more fabulous vintage items from more sellers at the VINTAGE FASHION GUILS WEEKLY FASHION PARADE!

Color My World with Vintage Fashion ~ VFGteam Etsy Treasury

2012-01-05T10:07:00.000-05:00

'Color My World with Vintage Fashion' by VFGteam

Here are some wonderful selections all from members of the Vintage Fashion Guild!

Colorful Rainbow Pl... MorningGloriou... $14.00	80s Victor Costa Bl... denisebrain $41.00	Huge Mondrian Inspi... KitschNCollect... $22.00	80s vintage tiered ... JojosRetroandV... $38.00
Vintage 1940s Black... adelinesattic $178.00	Vintage 1960s VOGUE... StelmaDesigns $28.00	80s Avant Garde I. ... JoulesVintage $95.00	1960s MOD Striped R... decotodiscovin... $14.00
CRAYOLA FLOWERS -Co... JazzbugJam $23.00	Vintage Tammis Keef... daisyfairbanks $42.00	Vintage 70s Wedge S... ClubVintage $18.00	Vintage 60s RUDI GE... northstarvinta... $75.00
Vintage 30s 40s Bak... metroretrovint... $295.00	1940s Vintage Flowe... badgirlvintage $45.00	VTG 1940s Mexican S... decotodiscovin... $28.00	Rare 2 volume book ... kickshaw $65.00

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

Etsy VFGteam Featured Seller

2012-01-02T12:54:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year & welcome to our new VFG Blog series featuring members of the VFGteam at Etsy!

You will be introduced to a different Team member in each new post. Please check out our Team Gallery page here.

Today's featured seller is Josette Elstad and you can visit her shop JojosRetroandVintage here.

1. When did you first get interested in vintage fashion & why?

I started collecting and wearing vintage in 1984 as an inner city teen. At that time we used to go to the original Ragstock, which was just a warehouse with barrels of old clothes and racks of old dresses in pretty tough shape. As a punk, this was pure heaven - a mix of cheap, cool clothing that guaranteed individuality, and I had quite a collection! Later in college, I studied art, design and theater, which resulted in working as a freelance costume designer for local theaters, as a tailor and as a buyer for a costume/set production company.

After my second child, I decided to stay at home and found vintage selling online as a way to preserve my sense of self amidst the toddler toys. I currently rent a studio/storage, present at shows and have plans to open a small brick and mortar shop in the near future. I will be launching my own website this spring. I do all the work for my online shop including buying, cleaning, repairs, photography, makeup artistry, photo editing, writing copy, and shipping.

2. Do you regularly wear vintage?

Yes, I love to mix vintage with modern and am especially fond of funky 70s graphic polyester blouses with jeans and boots as daily wear. My nicer dresses are reserved for special occasions.

3. Do you have a Holy Grail?

I have a few pieces that I adore that are up for sale in my shop. If I ever find a beauty that fits my mature figure, its MINE! Probably the loveliest item I've ever had was a 1952 pink tulle, sweetheart neckline, rhinestone encrusted, halter dress (with original box) that I sold. It was to die for.

4. If you could visit the atelier of any fashion designer (dead or alive), who would it be?

House of Givenchy in the 50s and early 60s or Edith Head's workshop.

5. What do you see as the future of vintage?

Each season's trends use design elements of the past that spark new interest in vintage. It appears that with the increasing number of period piece shows like Mad Men and Pan Am and the country's affection for the Kennedy era, vintage may be in vogue for awhile. Although the runways may not always reflect the past, there will always be collectors, clothing history geeks, and youth subcultures that relish vintage clothing treasures.

6. What is your favorite item in your shop?

60s vintage black lace party dress / illusion neckline drop waist / xsmall to small, it is so delicate and feminine and the workmanship on it is very fine.

Here are a few more items from Josette's shop:

vintage 60s floral quilted jumpsuit by Jane Martin / petite xsmall to small

50s vintage sheer striped L'Aiglon dress / medium to large

80s vintage blue ruffled taffeta dress / rhinestoned big bow / small

60s vintage white chiffon formal by Mike Benet / white swan / xsmall

Giveaway Time at The Vintage Traveler

2012-01-01T10:39:00.001-05:00

The New Year is here, and that means it is time for the one and only annual giveaway here at The Vintage Traveler. The prize a beautiful book, Fashion Illustration, 1930 to 1970. Every page really is delightful and the book is a good overview of the famous illustrators of each decade.

To enter, visit The Vintage Traveler blog.

December 26th Vintage Fashion Parade: Our Best to You

2012-01-01T06:34:00.004-05:00

The VFG's annual show of the very finest we have to offer.

Happy Holidays everyone! and an amazing and prosperous New Year to All!

Victorian 1870s to 1880s Raw Silk Bustle Polonaise Dress with Fringe available at Past Perfect Vintage

Rudi Gernreich dress from his 1971 Trompe L'oiel Collection offered by Couture Allure Vintage Fashion

1920's Silk Chiffon Dress with Cape Collar & Handkerchief Hem available at
Marian's Vintage Vanities Clothing

You can find more fabulous vintage items from more sellers at the VINTAGE FASHION GUILD WEEKLY FASHION PARADE!

The Pleasure of Christmas Books

2011-12-28T17:05:00.000-05:00

A fine tradition was revived this year when three fashion history books were found under the tree. A second tradition was also revived - that of my nose buried in a book on Christmas Day. All three texts are speedy reading but great fun, and photo heavy.

Let's take a look.

Style Book: Fashionable Inspirations , Elizabeth Walker.

All photos. All the time. But a treasure trove of inspiring photos from 1865 to the present, grouped by theme rather than year. Checks, Stripes, Fur, Denim, Flower Power - they all have a section. The subjects range form royalty to Hollywood to the street. There are some inaccuracies and oddities in the captions, but these are few and far between. Most glaring is a photo of Katherine Hepburn in the famous white crepe beaded and sequined evening dress designed by Adrian for The Philadelphia Story (1940) is dated 1935 and called a "peasant shirt...."

for more: Past Perfect Vintage

DEC 19th Fashion Parade: Glitterati

2011-12-26T06:41:00.005-05:00

Get ready to dazzle at holiday parties in vintage clothes and accessories that glitter with paillettes and sequins.

A spectacular 70s jumpsuit, fully sequinned, by Oscar de la Renta available at
Mags Rags

60s Does 20s Vintage Beaded Top, Candy Pink With Sequins Beads & Fringe offered by Joules Vintage

Sparkling 1960's D&E aka Juliana Brooch from Linn's Collection

You can find more fabulous vintage items from more sellers at the VINTAGE FASHION GUILD WEEKLY FASHION PARADE!

Etsy VFGteam Featured Seller

2011-12-22T15:01:00.000-05:00

Welcome to our new VFG Blog series featuring members of the VFGteam at Etsy!

You will be introduced to a different Team member in each new post. Please check out our Team Gallery page here.

Today's featured seller is Diana Craig Sparks and you can visit her shop bctreasuretrove here.

1. When did you first get interested in vintage fashion & why?

I've always loved history and fashion, so I suppose it's inevitable that the two would come together. My first love is 19th century fashions and when I had the opportunity to open an antiques shop, I thought it would be fun to offer antique clothing and jewelry. As time passed, customers would ask about other eras and one era led to another and before you knew it, I was offering clothing dating from 1840 to 1980!

2. Do you regularly wear vintage?

No. Larger sizes are hard to come by in vintage, but I do have a few dresses that I like to wear. Interestingly, they're all summer dresses so I wear those in warm weather! I do wear vintage costume jewelry on a regular basis.

3. Do you have a Holy Grail?

Oh yes! A Sybil Connolly pleated Irish linen dress. I was fortunate to have been asked to provide an appraisal of one of these dresses, so I enjoyed the opportunity to actually see and inspect one. I'm absolutely fascinated with and appreciate the construction.

4. If you could visit the atelier of any fashion designer (dead or alive), who would it be?

Charles Frederick Worth.

5. What do you see as the future of vintage?

I think it will be interesting to see what items actually survive long enough to become vintage! So much of today's clothing and jewelry is being made with inferior fabrics and materials that I wonder how much of it will still be wearable after 50 years.

6. What is your favorite item in your shop?

Barrel Shaped Purse with Raffia Decorations

Here are a few more items from Diana's shop:
1960s Vintage Little Black Dress Party Dress Medium

Peignoir Set Sheer Cherry Red Nightgown and Robe Small

Hat Vintage 1950s Black Brown and Ivory Straw

Antiqued Gold Metal & Rhinestone Filigree Victorian Revival Bracelet

Dec 12th Fashion Parade: Shopping in the City

2011-12-18T06:31:00.003-05:00

This week's Vintage Fashion Parade features our suggestions for what to wear to go holiday shopping in vintage style.

50s Red Velvet Swing Coat with Rhinestone Button available at DeniseBrain

Vintage Hat Italian Brown Wool Fur Trimmed Breton from Alley Cats Vintage

.Vintage 50s Green Red Plaid Wool Jacket offered by The Spectrum

You can find more fabulous vintage items from more sellers at the VINTAGE FASHION GUILD WEEKLY FASHION PARADE!

VFG Etsy Treasury ~ Vintage Red and Green Christmas - Festive Holiday Wear!

2011-12-17T09:57:00.000-05:00

'Vintage Red and Green Christmas - Festive Holiday Wear!' by VFGteam

Here are some lovely offerings all from members of the Vintage Fashion Guild. The Holiday Season is here, time to get out those lovely red and green items!

80s vintage burgund... JojosRetroandV... $62.00	Vintage 1960s Green... VintageFanAtti... $95.00	Antique French 1880... pastperfectvin... $115.00	Vintage 1920s Black... pastperfectvin... $154.00
70s Velvet Maxi Dre... ClubVintage $46.00	Sexy Slender & Eleg... badgirlvintage $175.00	Vintage 1970's ... NobleSavageVin... $75.00	40's Vintage Re... MorningGloriou... $46.00
Stunning Vintage 19... Frocksmith $125.00	50s Red Velvet Swin... denisebrain $38.00	Vintage Hat Moss Gr... alleycatsvinta... $38.00	As Is / Vintage 192... adelinesattic $78.00
Vintage 50s Red Bea... TheSpectrum $100.00	Vintage 50s Coty Co... MyVintageCockt... $114.00	Vintage LUIS ESTEVE... Catbooks1940s $275.00	Adorable Red Bakeli... MorningGloriou... $89.00

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

VFG Etsy Treasury ~ Super 70s Disco Goddess!!!

2011-12-13T16:18:00.002-05:00

'Super 70s Disco Goddess!!!' by SweetMelissasVintage

"Oh, I love the night life, I got to boogie on the disco 'round, oh yea." - Alicia Bridges

NOS Vintage 70s Emm... specialsomethi... $79.95	1970s Disco Glimmer... KitschNCollect... $55.00	70s Vintage Golden ... denisebrain $31.00	Vintage Disco Shoes... bigyellowtaxiv... $68.00
Sheerest Sexiest Pa... PleasureQueen $78.00	Vintage 70s Pink Pa... PersonalPursui... $55.00	70s vintage grecian... JojosRetroandV... $49.00	Boogie Nights Jewel... LittleQueenVin... $68.00
Vintage 70s Beaded ... TheSpectrum $60.00	Vintage 1980s 80s D... alleycatsvinta... $42.00	Vintage 1970s Red H... atticville $42.00	Jaw Dropping Yellow... PinkyAGoGo $275.00
Vintage 70s Peach P... northstarvinta... $80.00	Vintage Silver Serp... damngoodvintag... $75.00	Dreamy Pink Gown Ch... materialmemori... $45.00	Vintage 1970's ... Catbooks1940s $125.00

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

VFG Etsy Treasury ~ Baby It's Cold Outside! - Vintage Fur & Faux Fur

2011-12-11T09:13:00.002-05:00

'Baby It's Cold Outside! - Vintage Fur & Faux Fur' by VintageFanAttic

Here is a great selection of vintage fur and faux fur items to keep you warm and cosy this winter!

70s Faux Fur Leopar... denisebrain $22.00	Vintage Coyote Fur/... RetroWear $169.99	50s vintage black f... JojosRetroandV... $62.00	Vintage Hat Faux Le... alleycatsvinta... $40.00
Vintage 40s Sheared... damngoodvintag... $95.00	Vintage 60s 70s Pur... northstarvinta... $70.00	Old Hollywood Geoff... walkbymoonligh... $595.00	1960s or 70s Vintag... badgirlvintage $90.00
1950s sheared beave... VintageFray $67.00	Vintage Faux Chinch... bigyellowtaxiv... $198.00	Vintage 1970s Blond... KitschNCollect... $115.00	70s Tweed Midi / Ma... decotodiscovin... $235.00
Vintage 1950s Honey... PinkyAGoGo $22.99	Vintage 1960s Black... atticville $90.00	Vintage 1980s Zebra... VintageFanAtti... $165.00	Two muskrat pelts -... kickshaw $8.00

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

DEC 5th Fashion Parade: It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

2011-12-11T07:07:00.005-05:00

Have the people on your Christmas list been very, very nice? The VFG trade members round up great vintage gifts for the very best on your list.

Vintage Colorado Souvenir Red Silk Scarf from The Vintage Merchant

Salvador Teran 1950s sterling silver Aztec Set available at Viva Vintage Clothing

Judith Leiber Black Karung Snakeskin Leather Purse from Vintage Devotion

You can find more fabulous vintage items from more sellers at the VINTAGE FASHION GUILD WEEKLY FASHION PARADE!

VFG holiday vintage wrapping party ~ Etsy Treasury

2011-12-10T08:55:00.000-05:00

'VFG holiday vintage wrapping party ' by denisebrain

Vintage Fashion Guild clothes and accessories pretty enough to top a package!

30s Vintage Deco Do... JoulesVintage $18.00	Stunning 1950s Vint... badgirlvintage $125.00	Vintage 1940s Film ... PinkyAGoGo $85.99	Vintage 1970s Red H... atticville $42.00
Vintage 60s Red Pai... TheSpectrum $8.00	Stunning Strapless ... Frocksmith $95.00	Vintage 40s Trifari... metroretrovint... $39.95	Vintage SCAASI Cock... Catbooks1940s $225.00
Adorable Red Bakeli... MorningGloriou... $89.00	Rare Abstract 1940s... LoulousVintage $95.00	Vintage Christmas T... bctreasuretrov... $12.00	Vintage Designer Ve... MyVintageCockt... $48.00
Vintage 40s Black R... VintageFanAtti... $40.00	1940s Twisted Lucit... decotodiscovin... $35.00	Black Bow Beauty Vi... walkbymoonligh... $30.00	80s vintage red hot... JojosRetroandV... $98.00

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

Etsy VFGteam Featured Seller

2011-12-05T10:03:00.000-05:00

Welcome to our new VFG Blog series featuring members of the VFGteam at Etsy!

You will be introduced to a different Team member in each new post. Please check out our Team Gallery page here.

Today's featured seller is Barbara Boyce and you can visit her shop Another Time Antiques here.

1. When did you first get interested in vintage fashion & why?

My heart was lit back in the mid 1970s when the concept of vintage fashion was "young" in our region. I was fascinated in history from the woman's point of view and found an immediate connection to the fashions we wore. The field is huge! The most intriguing aspect I learned is that you can take any singular point of women's fashionable goods and create world history from it: lace, dress, hat, jewelry, fabric, trim, bags, shoes - anything! The connections weave an amazing story.

2. Do you regularly wear vintage?

I used to, but this ol' body mostly accents vintage costume jewelry which I love love love! My next favorite item to find and wear are warm wool coats and jackets.

3. Do you have a Holy Grail?

I do and 1 was conquered! I own a historical piece of fashion history: a collar that was once owned by Martha Washington and given to a Captain's wife as a gift. It is safely tucked away. The story will be on my blog in the future.

The second Grail is to have someone come to me and say: I like your look - I'll take it all! :)

4. If you could visit the atelier of any fashion designer (dead or alive), who would it be?

I guess I'd have to pick Lily Daché. What an amazing story and who on earth doesn't smile over one of her hat concoctions!

5. What do you see as the future of vintage?

This is a tough question. Partly dismal because I see too much reproduction of the same old. My opinion has always been that the circle of silhouettes has gone full circle and fashion designers ceased to be creative starting in the 80s. Every "new look" I see I can immediately go ... oh That's from the 40s or 60s or 20s etc. The emphasis is on fabric technology & shock more than creating beauty.

6. What is your favorite item in your shop?

1800s Antique Victorian Black & Steel Beaded Bag B Monogram

Here are a few more items from Barbara's shop:

Vintage 800 Silver Scroll Pendant with Red Stones

Victorian Collar & Cuffs Italian Crochet Lace c.1900

Antique Ribbon Watch Chain & Gold Ornaments

Antique Sash Buckle Gilded Sun Dragonfly Dragon

Fresh Vintage November 17 - 30 2011

2011-12-04T19:58:00.000-05:00

This is a two week edition of Fresh Vintage, the weekly VFG forum thread where trade members post their best new listings, gathering highlights from multiple websites for savvy shoppers to enjoy. Let's get this party started!

First up, an amazing Edwardian tea gown from one of VFG's newest members, Noble Savage Vintage

Living Doll Vintage recently listed this pretty Swirl dress.

And look at this fabulous faux leopard 1960s envelope purse, new at Alley Cats

PastPerfect Vintage has this wonderful striped 50s Irene suit newly listed at her website

And a gorgeous 40s snakeskin bag, and it's purple! Fresh at The Spectrum

If you'd like to get a head start on next week's Fresh Vintage blog post, you can check out this week's thread HERE.

VFG Fashion Parade November 28th: Color Blocking

2011-12-04T07:31:00.004-05:00

Big this season, color blocking is nothing new—From 50s duo-tone rayon shirts to Mod tri-tone bags (and YSL's 1965 Mondrian day dress would have to be the ultimate color block find), vintage clothing and accessories can get you into this trend, vintage-style.

Vintage 60s Color Block Velvet Tapestry Jacket available at Vintage Fan Attic

1980s Frank Usher Batwing Stripe Sweater offered by Leonardo-da-Vintage

1960's 2-Tone Sling Back Spectator Spat Shoes from Noble Savage Vintage

You can find more fabulous vintage items from more sellers at the VINTAGE FASHION GUILD WEEKLY FASHION PARADE!

VFG Etsy Treasury ~ A Touch of Vintage Glamour for the Holidays!

2011-11-28T13:45:00.000-05:00

'A Touch of Vintage Glamour for the Holidays!' by VintageFanAttic

Here are a few of the fabulous offerings from members of the Vintage Fashion Guild that are sure to make you stand out in the crowd in the upcoming holiday season!

Jaw Dropping Yellow... PinkyAGoGo $275.00	ON SALE Vintage 198... jumblelaya $78.40	Vintage 1960's ... TheVintageVort... $90.00	Vintage 60s Dress M... metroretrovint... $119.95
Vintage 1980s Patri... SweetMelissasV... $540.00	1980s Ball Gown by ... pastperfectvin... $185.00	Vintage 70's Ti... Catbooks1940s $250.00	Vintage 30s Ice Blu... VintageDevotio... $229.00
Jean Carol 30s Burg... denisebrain $315.00	Show-Stopping 30s B... MorningGloriou... $325.00	Stunning 1950s Vint... badgirlvintage $200.00	Vintage 80s Straple... CatseyeVintage $120.00
60s Fishnet Go-go D... bigyellowtaxiv... $262.50	Vintage 70s Geoffre... Catbooks1940s $600.00	Sweet and Sassy Vin... PersonalPursui... $64.00	SALE 80s vintage re... JojosRetroandV... $78.40

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

November 21st Fashion Parade: Let's Give Thanks

2011-11-27T09:52:00.004-05:00

Thanksgiving Day is November 24 in the US. What vintage will you wear for the holiday gatherings at your home and your friends' homes?

A lovely vintage cardigan from Past Perfect Vintage

Vintage 50s Handkerchief Aprons available at The Spectrum

Mens 1960s Heathered Wool Polo Shirt Sweater from Mags Rags Vintage

You can find more fabulous vintage items from more sellers at the VINTAGE FASHION GUILD WEEKLY FASHION PARADE!

Free Shipping at Couture Allure!

2011-11-27T09:15:00.000-05:00

Happy Holidays from Couture Allure!

FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING ONE WEEK ONLY!

As a special thank you, we're happy to offer free standard shipping worldwide through Saturday, December 3. Use coupon code "freeship" at checkout and your shipping cost will be automatically deducted!

Note: Some U.S. orders will ship via First Class Mail or Parcel Post instead of Priority Mail during this promotion. Please allow extra time for delivery.

Free shipping is limited to First Class International Mail for international orders. International orders that must ship via Global Priority or Global Express Mail are excluded from this offer.

Offer does not apply to previous orders and expires at midnight Eastern time on Saturday, December 3.

SHOP COUTURE ALLURE NOW!

Etsy VFGteam Treasury ~ Festive Holiday Vintage!

2011-11-26T10:35:00.000-05:00

'Festive Holiday Vintage!' by VFGteam

Some wonderful choices in holiday colors from the Vintage Fashion Guild!

Vintage 1950s 50s H... alleycatsvinta... $52.00	50s Red Velvet Swin... denisebrain $38.00	Vintage Hollycraft ... metroretrovint... $39.95	SALE 50's Red L... MorningGloriou... $16.00
SALE 80s vintage re... JojosRetroandV... $78.40	60s Intarsia Knit S... ClubVintage $26.00	VINTAGE 1960'S ... sewingmachineg... $9.99	Vintage 1960s Green... VintageFanAtti... $95.00
80s New Wave Neckla... decotodiscovin... $28.00	Vintage 70s Knit Po... northstarvinta... $45.00	3 Vintage 1940s Swi... PinkyAGoGo $24.99	Vintage 50s Powder ... CatseyeVintage $19.99
Lucky Green Loafer ... LittleQueenVin... $32.00	Vintage Vera Neuman... RetroWear $39.99	Vintage Highland Ta... bigyellowtaxiv... $24.00	Vintage 1920s Black... pastperfectvin... $154.00

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

Etsy VFGteam Featured Seller

2011-11-22T10:33:00.001-05:00

Welcome to our new VFG Blog series featuring members of the VFGteam at Etsy!
You will be introduced to a different Team member in each new post. Please check out our Team Gallery page here.

Today's featured seller is Gail and you can visit her shop GailDavid's Memory Lane here.

1. When did you first get interested in vintage fashion & why?

I consider myself an everyday/average person with no interesting background in fashion. My interest started 11 years ago as I ascended my attic stairs and started to purge my house of unwanted items. My husband and I raised six children and had generous friends and family who donated many sacks of clothing to help us out. The unused items eventually made their way into my attic. My first bag revealed an Alfred Shaheen skirt which I researched and sold on eBay for a nice sum of $75. Each new treasure became a learning block to build upon. Eventually, the bags were empty but I had developed a passion for more. In order to continue my new-found interest, I needed to search outside my private box and checked out antique stores, sales, thrift stores, etc. The hunt is as exciting as the sale, in my humble opinion.

2. Do you regularly wear vintage?

Although I have yet to find a piece of vintage that fits me well and flatters my figure, I do carry a special vintage purse which generates lots of praise from people I meet. I can understand why those with "normal" figures seek out good quality vintage to wear on a regular basis: the fabrics and styles make the wearer very unique.

3. Do you have a Holy Grail?

I don't really have a specific "Holy Grail" item. Each time I come across a "new" label for me, I am equally as excited. (Although I must admit when I won two Puccis at an auction I thought my heart would stop!)

4. If you could visit the atelier of any fashion designer (dead or alive), who would it be?

I honestly do not have a favorite designer. My eye is more drawn to a fabulous print...or a specific era.

5. What do you see as the future of vintage?

Although I know time is not standing still, I have a hard time comprehending that anything past the 70's is vintage ;>)
I do feel it will be harder and harder to find items from the eras I enjoy. And, although there are many modern designers whose works will undoubtedly be sought-after in the future, I will continue my personal search-and-rescue mission for pre-80s items.

6. What is your favorite item in your shop?

Currently, my favorite item in my shop is the mouton fur coat in a generous XL or 1X size!

I so wish I was taller ......it would definitely be in my personal closet!!!
I do have many other items to add to my shop and my favorite is bound to change. Stay tuned...

Here are a few more items from Gail's shop:

Vintage 60s Cobalt Blue Silk Cocktail Party Mad Men Dress S

Vintage 60s Mad Men Damask Marilyn Wiggle Dress w Rabbit Fur Trim S

Vintage 1950s 50s Plum Shelf Bust Taffeta Party Evening Dress S M

Vintage 60s Mad Men Floral Sheer Sun Dress Jacket and Belt S M

November 14th Vintage Fashion Parade: Easily Suede

2011-11-20T09:02:00.006-05:00

Chill in the Air? Vintage leather and suede to the rescue!

70s Hand-Tooled Leather Shoulder Bag from Big Yellow Taxi Vintage

60s Vintage Purple Fringe Suede Jacket available at Joules Vintage

Vintage 60s Green Suede Leather High Heel Shoes from Bettes Bargains

You can find more fabulous vintage items from more sellers at the VINTAGE FASHION GUILD WEEKLY FASHION PARADE!

Pink & Black Vintage with Sparkle & Lace ~ VFG Etsy Treasury

2011-11-20T08:53:00.000-05:00

'Pink & Black Vintage with Sparkle & Lace' by VintageFanAttic

Here are a few wonderful items in Pink and Black from some members of the Vintage Fashion Guild for you to choose from!

Fantastic Bohemian ... PinkyAGoGo $125.00	Black Lace over Pin... badgirlvintage $95.00	60s Black - Gold La... denisebrain $39.00	Vintage 80s Black P... PersonalPursui... $89.00
Vintage 40s Dress C... metroretrovint... $350.00	Vintage 1980s Given... SweetMelissasV... $310.00	60s vintage pink pe... JojosRetroandV... $109.00	Gorgeous Pink and B... PleasureQueen $78.00
Vintage 20s Black C... VintageFanAtti... $120.00	Vintage 90s BETSEY ... northstarvinta... $60.00	Vintage 70s Sequine... CatseyeVintage $59.99	Slip Petticoat Crin... ClubVintage $44.00
Darling Vintage Haw... StelmaDesigns $58.00	Vintage Huge Pink R... atticville $44.00	VTG 1960s Beaded Sa... decotodiscovin... $29.00	Vintage 50's Bl... RetroWear $40.00

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

Fresh Vintage November 10 - 17, 2011

2011-11-18T16:45:00.000-05:00

I'm back with another edition of Fresh Vintage, the place to check out the best new vintage listings from VFG's trade members. We're covering just a weeks worth this time, so you can enjoy the entire thread by clicking on the title of this post to see the fabulous items I didn't have room to feature.

First up, a New Old Stock 1970s Coach handbag, offered by Club Vintage

Next, an amazing 1960s mink jacket in an uncommon champagne hue, up for auction from Amanda in Vermont and ending in less than 2 days.

And a saucy 80s velvet veiled pillbox hat from one of VFG's newest members, Leonarda da Vintage

That's it for the most recent week's Fresh Vintage. If you'd like to get an advance look at the treasures being posted on this week's thread, click HERE to get to the VFG forum thread that started yesterday.

Wonderful Wools 101!

2011-11-16T09:44:00.005-05:00

After a hiatus, the "Fabric Junkie" is back, tackling a timely subject--wool. As in the past, we're looking at both fiber and weave. Last time we mentioned how one weave (jacquard) can be made in a variety of fibers. This time we'll look at how one fiber can be made in a variety of weaves.

Everyone knows wool, right? But do they realize the amazing variety of wools and weaves there are? Like silk, wool is incredibly versatile. It can be woven, knitted, or felted; finely or coarsely woven; made in winter or summer weights; etc. It can be made from the coats of not only sheep and lambs, but goats, camel, alpaca, llama, and more. Tweeds, worsteds, twills and gabardines, bouclés.... No wonder wool is one of my favorite fibers!

One would need a book to cover all the wools and they ways they're used, so I'll hit just a few common ones:

"Nubby" or rough woolens, typically thought of for outerwear, winter suits, and heavier winter dresses. Two specific weaves that come to mind are tweed and bouclé. A tweed weave is a rough-surfaced wool woven in two or more colors, often in a checked or plaid pattern, but can have a flecked, heathered, or herringbone look. You can usually see the warp and weft yarns pretty clearly in a tweed. The Harris tweeds of Scotland are probably the most well-known ones, but tweeds are produced in other countries as well.

Bouclé is a very nubby fabric woven with looped yarns, often found in winter coats and jackets. The loops can be very short or long, so bouclé doesn't always look the same from garment to garment and can be used in formal or casual looks.

"Suiting" wools, which are smoother and sometimes not easy to recognize as wool. Probably the most familiar of these are the twills and gabardines--weaves with easily visible diagonal lines and with a tighter, finer finish than the woolens. These are often found in mid-weight mens' and ladies' suits and overcoats, although they can vary from heavy to light. Worsted wool is probably what most people visualize when they think of suits, even if they don't know the term. This weave is created using a tightly twisted yarn with smooth finish. The short, "hairy" fibers are combed out of, so that it loses its woolen look. It may not "look" like wool, but when you feel it, you can usually tell that it is. Then we have tropical wool, which is a worsted, but is very plainly woven, very lightweight, and airy--excellent for suits and dresses worn in the spring and summer or in, aptly, tropical climates.

The last wool I'll tackle is knitted wool. While everyone is familiar with loosely woven, bulkier sweater knits, many finer knits are used in apparel. Tops, jackets, skirts, and dresses can be made from these knits. These are usually lighter in weight than a typical sweater knit, more tightly knitted, and with a much smoother finish. They drape nicely and can be lined or unlined, and are found as a single-knit fabric such as jersey, or in double knits.

Today, the sellers of Reflections of Vintage present some of our seasonal wool fashions!

From My Vintage Cocktail comes these listings:

A Vintage 60s Pinup Sweater, Designer, Wool Knit, OOAK, XS, Sm, Med

And this fluffy Vintage 50s 60s Designer Mohair Sweater Cardigan, Sm Med, MINT NOS Deadstock

Vintage Baubles Too offers this Vintage 50s 1950s Swing Coat Car Coat Turquoise Boucle Wool Sm Med

From Alley Cats Vintage, we have a Vintage Hat Gray Wool Stetson Fedora

This adorable Vintage Handbag Purse Black Wool Small

And this worsted-wool Vintage Suit 1940s 1950s Glenhaven Blue Tweed Nipped Waist B34 Size Small Military Inspired

Catseye Vintage presents this Vintage Cardigan Sweater / Angora Blend / 1960s 60s / Hand Beaded / Glass Beads / Peach / Size L

A Vintage 50s Suit / 1950s / Skirt Suit / Fur Collar / Mink / Wool Gabardine / Navy Blue / Youthcraft / Size XS

And this sophisticated suit-weight Vintage 60s Dress / Shirtdress / Coat Dress / 1960s / Grey / Gray / I Magnin / Georgette Trilere / Size S / US Shipping Included

VFG Etsy Treasury ~ She was the 'IT' girl: Men wanted her and women wanted to be her...

2011-11-13T08:33:00.002-05:00

'She was the 'IT' girl: Men wanted her and women wanted to be her...' by TheVintageVortex

Always dressed to the 9's, accentuating her every asset and leaving slews of admirers in her wake...

Vintage 60s Dress M... metroretrovint... $119.95	30s vintage hat of ... JojosRetroandV... $52.00	Vintage 1960s Watus... LessThanPerfec... $64.00	Hint of Pink Black ... PleasureQueen $48.00
50s Black Patent To... denisebrain $25.00	Whiting & Davis Gol... MorningGloriou... $83.00	Black see through n... kickshaw $65.00	Lovely Vintage Blac... alleycatsvinta... $38.00
Vintage 60s Glitter... bigyellowtaxiv... $75.00	Vintage 1950s Choco... PinkyAGoGo $129.00	Antiqued Goldtone V... bctreasuretrov... $12.00	Vintage Double Neck... anothertimeant... $28.00
1950s The Bon March... StelmaDesigns $58.00	Vintage Black Illus... specialsomethi... $24.95	Vintage 60's Bl... Catbooks1940s $200.00	Stunning 1920s Vint... badgirlvintage $100.00

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

VFG Fashion Parade for week of November 7th: Get the Look: Bette Davis

2011-11-13T06:21:00.006-05:00

This week's Vintage Fashion Parade salutes the great actress Bette Davis and her long and illustrious career.

From the 30s, when she won Oscars for Dangerous and Jezebel, through the 80s, Bette Davis was one of Hollywood's greatest stars. Her style on screen was shaped by Orry-Kelly, Edith Head and her own personal intensity, while her off-camera image was always supremely elegant.

Late 1930s/Early 1940s Vintage Dressing Gown or Hostess Dress available at Bonnie & Clyde's Treasure Trove

Lilly Dache 1940s Autumn Ostrich Plumed Felt Hat offered by Rue de la Paix

Vintage 1950s Shoes Black Lace Toe High Heels Baby Dolls available at Alley Cats Vintage

You can find more fabulous vintage items from more sellers at the VINTAGE FASHION GUILD WEEKLY FASHION PARADE!

Starlit Night ~ VFG Etsy Treasury

2011-11-10T11:40:00.000-05:00

'Starlit Night' by VintageDevotion

Sparkling adornment for the holidays. From the members of the Vintage Fashion Guild VFG

Avant Garde Evening... bigyellowtaxiv... $69.00	1800s Antique Victo... anothertimeant... $125.00	VTG 1940s Twisted L... decotodiscovin... $19.99	Vintage BOB MACKIE ... Catbooks1940s $950.00
50s Vintage Blue R... specialsomethi... $22.00	50s Set Bracelet an... MorningGloriou... $48.00	Vintage 80s Silver ... northstarvinta... $35.00	30s Vintage Deco Do... JoulesVintage $18.00
Black sequined net ... kickshaw $250.00	Brilliant Vintage B... LessThanPerfec... $45.00	LARGE Vintage Black... PinkyAGoGo $45.99	60s Vintage Convert... denisebrain $24.00
Gorgeous Luxe 1960s... missybagdiva $50.00	Vintage Sweater Cli... catwalkcreativ... $25.00	Jewel & Flower Encr... ClubVintage $19.00	60s vintage black h... JojosRetroandV... $20.00

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

Fresh Vintage October 20 - November 9, 2011

2011-11-10T02:51:00.001-05:00

This Fresh Vintage post will be an overview of amazing new listings offered by VFG's trade members over the last 3 weeks. Fasten your seatbelts, vintage fashionistas!
First up, a 1920s Chiffon dress embellished with tiny multi-colored felt squares, offered by Past Perfect

Poppys Vintage just listed this 1950s Jean Desses evening coat.

This pretty 50s silk shirtwaist dress is new at Vintage Baubles

This 1950s intaglio Swank money clip is fresh from Bijou Vintage

Vested Gentress is famous for their fun prints, like this cutie, new from MetroRetro Vintage

And Vintage Devotion recently listed and sold this pretty 20s/30s three piece silk chiffon ensemble

This gorgeous 1950s dress was listed and quickly sold by Miss Proper

This amazing Lily Dache hat is one of Rue de la Paix's most recent listings

And finally, this bakelite dress clip, recently listed by Joules Vintage

A new Fresh Vintage thread will start tomorrow in the VFG forums. Come check it out, because there's always more amazing new vintage listings than we can show you here.