Lost in Yonkers: Bakelite Comes Home Again

In June of 2010, I had the opportunity of attending Bakelite’s “return home” --  back to the city where it was founded -- to its hometown of Yonkers, New York.

The special exhibit “Bakelite in Yonkers: Pioneering the Age of Plastics”, was housed at the Hudson River Museum, traveling from Amsterdam, a former home of Belgian founder Leo H. Baekeland, to the place of its invention and birth.

The egg shaped Bakelizer, 1909

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Overlooking the majestic banks of the Hudson River, the museum  provided an overall look at the synthetic plastics industry from its inception, with focus on brand name Bakelite as its most famous product.

Colorful displays of the aged thermoset plastics in every size, shape, and function, were exhibited throughout the large and spacious hall.

Touted as “The Material of a Thousand Uses”, there were utilitarian objects such as car parts, typewriters, and cooking bowls, as well as vanity items including hair combs, make up sets, and carved "gems" of rings, bracelets, necklaces, brooches, and every imaginable kind of plastic jewelry.

“You can’t melt it, burn it, or bend it”, echoed the 1930's voice, from an early promotional movie reel.

No longer "lost" and since rediscovered by a new generation of vintage loving Bakelite aficionados, the popular exhibit has long since returned to Amsterdam, while a myriad of Bakelite products continue to be appreciated and enjoyed today. 

Here is a fine sampling of vintage Bakelite jewelry offered by Vintage Fashion Guild members.

Vintage 40s Carved Amber Bakelite Hand Tussie Mussie Pin Brooch

by Glad Rags & Curios on Ruby Lane

40's Vintage Red Carved Bakelite Earrings

by MorningGlorious on Etsy   

Mid-Century Bakelite and Laminated Wood Demi-Parure

by Linn’s Collection on Ruby Lane

 




Large Vintage Carved Black Bakelite and Rhinestone Swordfish Sailfish Pin Brooch

by PinkyAGoGo on Etsy

1940s Vintage Butterscotch Bakelite Horse Head Pin

by Falls Avenue Vintage Fashion on Ruby Lane












Written by Laura Milera, Metro Retro Vintage

Dress It Up With Dress Clips

A selection of clips from the author's collection.

What was once a “must have” fashion accessory during the 30's and 40's, is today largely forgotten – the one time ubiquitous dress clip.

From fine and elegant rhinestones to whimsical bakelite and wooden figurals, vintage dress clips continue to be some of the most versatile jewelry around.

Basic Types

There are two basic categories of clips, depending on their metal findings or mechanism used for gripping fabrics -- dress clips and fur clips, however they are essentially the same in purpose.

Other traditional types of clips may include shoe clips, scarf clips, and hinged hair clips.

A Unique Touch

Dress clips can be worn in pairs or singly, on dresses, coats, hats, belts, or even on a purse strap.  Clip them onto a shirt pocket or add one to a tied scarf – you’ll soon find a multitude of ways to wear these wonderful adornments.

Ann Sheridan wears a pair of rhinestone dress clips to one side
in "The Man Who Came to Dinner" (1942).

 

A Few Tips To Keep In Mind

* Be sure to check the tension of the metal clip.  When lifting the back, there should be a bit of resistance at first and then it should open freely.

When closing, the clip should snap back into place and maintain a firm grip on the clothing.

Norma Shearer wears a single clip on a jacket collar
as a bold statement piece in "The Women" (1939).

* The metal back of a dress clip will have small "teeth" for gripping clothing, while the back of a fur clip will have two sharp prongs for gripping heavier weight fabrics.
  
* Oftentimes, small sized dress clip sets are confused for earrings (ouch!) at sales, so when shopping, be sure to look through any earring selections.

 * Never immerse into liquid cleaner.  The clip back is often comprised of a metal alloy, and can rust over time.

* Clean with a soft polishing cloth if necessary or use a soft toothbrush to carefully “dust” around stones.


Written by Laura Milera, Metro Retro Vintage

Early Use of Zippers in Fashion

I recently read how designer Louise Barnes Gallagher claimed to be using zippers in her fashions as early as 1922, and that led me to investigate.  You can read my findings, and hopefully add to the conversation at The Vintage Traveler.

The above ad is from 1935.

Fresh Vintage Mega Edition August 11 to 31, 2011

OK, I admit it, I got a little behind... But that means I get to show you a lot of fabulous goodies from VFG's trade members!

First up, Crinoline Girl always has some amazing undergarments, including this rare spoon busk corset, already snapped up by a speedy shopper.

Past Perfect Vintage recently listed this lovely 1850s mid-Victorian bonnet.

Meanwhile, Denisebrain auctioned off this 1940s suit, hat, and suede gloves, all in purple.



If you're considering a vintage wedding, you'll want to check out this liquid satin 1940s wedding gown at Some Like It Vintage

Bijou Vintage just sold this early 1950s Trifari pin

This teens/Edwardian embroidered dress is from Vintage Devotion

This chic 1940s velvet hat with feather accent is a new listing at Morning Glorious

This fun 1980s party dress is available from Circa Vintage, one of our Australian members.

And Another Time Vintage, aka BetteBeGood, recently listed this 1930s woven belt with art deco buckle

Whew!! We're caught up on Fresh Vintage highlights. If you want to catch all the offerings before they're sold, check out this week's Fresh forum thread

Wednesday Eye Candy: Ferrragamo

It's Wednesday. We've been preparing some great items for the website, spanning from the 1740s to the 1980s. Quite the time range. So it's been a productive week, with more to come.

So today, a simple post with some eye candy, the 1930s Salvatore Ferragamo brand. These aren't by any means his most innovative or outlandish shoes, but they certainly are beautiful.

   

1930s Two Tone Leather Oxford with Gold Piping, 

labeled Ferragamo Hand Made in Florence and Halle Bros. courtesy Past Perfect Vintage Collection

Fresh Vintage Mega Mid Summer Edition June 30 - July 20

Sorry, VFG blog followers - I have been remiss with getting the Freshest vintage to you, with three weeks since my last post. I'll be covering highlights of three of the weekly Fresh threads, so enjoy!!

First up, an amazing find from Viva Vintage, a Helena Bond Caruthers cashmere cardigan with Asian inspired embroidery.

Continuing on the Asian theme, Miss Proper recently listed this 50s novelty print skirt

For the polkadot lovers, Some Like It Vintage is offering this cute 60s mod dress

Color and prints are all over the current runways - a vintage fashionista will be completely but uniquely on trend in this Paganne Aztec inspired print maxidress, new at Poppy's Vintage

Joules Vintage recently listed these elegant 70s alligator monkstrap shoes by Florsheim - they'll fit a small man's or a large woman's foot.

At Past Perfect, you'll find this lovely circa 1900 celluloid Edwardian sidecomb.

Vivian Belle recently acquired several New Old Stock 1950s strapless rockabilly tops, including this sweet plaid top from Koret of California

Another Time Vintage has these 70s platform sandals newly listed at Bette's Bargains

And, finally, a 1930s tilt hat with ostrich plume, at The Vintage Merchant

I'll be back next week with a smaller one week edition of Fresh Vintage. Til then....

Fresh Vintage May 26 - June 1 2011

It was another excellent week for Fresh Vintage, the weekly VFG forum thread where trade members show off their newest listings.

Miss Proper added this adorable floral print summer dress to the 60s category of her online shop.

This gorgeous New Old Stock strapless white tulle dress was auctioned on eBay by GailDavid. Perfect for a wedding or prom!

And DeniseBrain recently listed this sweet 1930s day dress.

There are always fun things to look at and discuss on the VFG forums, including the current week's Fresh thread. Come check it out!

Hand Knitted Chic, 1933 version

These are a selection from Hand Knitted Chic, a pattern publication from Bucilla, published in 1933. Let's set the stage. It's the depths of the Depression. The mood is not happy. It's down right grim. Most women are in the Depression Make Do and Mend Mode, the one that came before the WWII version. An awful lot of women can't afford store bought clothing. Or even good fabric like wool and silk by the yard, at that. But if they can knit - a whole new wardrobe awaits...   For more click Here

 The Swagger Suit

 The Stroller Suit

Fresh Vintage April 28 - May 4 2011

I am frequently astonished by the amazing vintage treasures unearthed by my fellow VFG members and offered to the public. Enjoy this week's highlights!

Vintage Baubles sold this lovely 30s dress the same day it was shown in the Fresh Vintage forum thread. Sometimes you have to move fast to get the best vintage!

Check out this adorable 50s cardigan sweater with beaded poodles, new at Viva Vintage.

And Glamoursurf just added this amazing 50s bikini with petal detailed bust to her website.



As always, there's more Fresh and fabulous vintage where this came from. Stop by the VFG forums to enjoy the eye candy every day.

*Fresh Vintage* March 24 - March 31 2011

This is the first Fresh Vintage edition of Spring and as always, VFG sellers are busy listing wonderful vintage goodies every day!

First up, Nicole at Circa Vintage is offering this wonderful two tone wool day dress from the 1930s

And if you love the look of fancy vintage swim caps, you'll want to check out the selection at Glamoursurf where she has been adding a variety of swim caps including this Kleinert bathing beauty from the 50s.

And Metro Retro Vintage recently listed this great 50s Rockabilly dress with tassels and ribbon embroidery.

 

If you can't wait for next week's blog post, you can always get your own sneak preview of Fresh Vintage at the VFG forums.

*Fresh Vintage* February 3 - 9, 2011

We've got another great selection of new vintage from VFG members! Every week, tune in to the latest Fresh Vintage thread in the VFG forums to get an early look at our best and newest listings.

Gaildavid just sold this 50s full skirt, but the dancing rag doll print is so charming I had to share it here on the blog.



If you've been looking for the perfect early 40s LBD cocktail dress, you'll want to check out this one at Denisebrain

And Catseye Vintage recently listed this amazing WW2 era dress with hand studded sleeve detail in the shape of a cat's face.

Head over to the VFG forums to see more fabulous new vintage from this weel's thread. We'll be back next week with highlights from a new Fresh.



January 10th Fashion Parade: Get The Look: The Thin Man

Get the Look: The Thin Man

Suave, witty, stylish and charming...if you haven't yet met Nick and Nora Charles (inimitably created by William Powell and Myrna Loy) you must see The Thin Man movies. This week we pull from our 1930s and 40s-inspired collections to bring you our very best Nick and Nora looks.









Find a great vintage selection among the VFG member's offerings!

Vintage Vintage 1930s Art Deco Men's Smoking Lounging Robe Dressing Gown from POPPY'S VINTAGE CLOTHING

Vintage Early Eisenberg Dress Clip - Unsigned from LINN'S COLLECTION

Vintage 30s Vintage Black Velvet Bias Cut Formal Dress Gown Beaded Collar from MAGS RAGS

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

*Fresh Vintage* December 16 to 23rd

More Fresh Vintage, offering a few highlights of recently listed goodies from VFG's trade members!

TheSpectrum listed this wonderful 1940s dress pattern last week - the striped version is especially nice.

Sweet cream! A pretty 60s beaded sweater, new at Miss Proper's shop.

And an amazing blue velvet 1930s gown, offered by AmandainVermont

Other highlights of the week's Fresh Vintage thread can be seen by clicking on the title of this post - check out the Hermes scarf, 50s party dress made from scottie dog brocade, sterling and abalone bracelet and more!