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....

November 2 Fashion Parade *Pine For It*

Pine For It!

Vintage clothing and accessories featuring tree and leaf motifs look right in season. Find a great vintage selection among the VFG's members' offerings!

Vintage 60s Brown Velveteen Leaf Applique Purse & Hat Set from GLAD RAGS & CURIOS

LEAVES IN A STREAM Novelty Print Vintage 1950s Dress L 44 from FAST EDDIES RETRO RAGS

Brown Helen Bond Carruthers Cardigan with Appliqued Leaves from PAST PERFECT VINTAGE

You can find more fabulous vintage dresses, suits, handbags, sweaters, and shoes from more sellers at the VINTAGE FASHION GUILD FASHION PARADE!

Helen Bond Carruthers

VFG Member Viviene of Born Too Late Vintage and author of the blog Playing Dress-up All Day Long, has put together a series of posts on the legendary Helen Bond Carruthers, "the name for vintage sellers and aficionados that brings to mind breathtakingly beautiful sweaters in all manners of colors, needlework and appliqué work." Viviene extensively interviewed Mrs. Carruthers’ grand niece, Jenifer Klier and her posts include wonderful family photos and gorgeous vintage sweaters by the designer. The four installments are a must read for any vintage lover! Part I Part II Part III Part IV

Fashion Bond-age

The warm weather has finally started arriving and shopping for Spring is in full swing!

Vintage cardigan sweaters are a wardrobe staple but come to really shine during the early Spring months. The cream of the crop has always been the exquisite embroidered pieces from Versailles, KY artist Helen Bond Carruthers.

Carruthers took the embroidery from old worn piano shawls from the 1920s and embroidered and lacy bits from old Belgian linens, and attached the decorations like applique to the sweaters. Very often the entire sweater would be covered with decoration. She also often altered these sweaters, shortening both the sleeves and the torso. These sweaters are considered to be the ultimate in decorated cashmere. - Photo (sweater is also for sale!) & excerpt from fuzzylizzie.com.

To admire even more of Carruthers work, visit Headley-Whitney Museum in Lexington, KY from March 31, 2006- June 11, 2006.

Mrs. Carruthers was a creative fashion designer from Versailles, Kentucky and her hand-appliqued sweaters from the fifties and early sixties are highly sought after by vintage fashion collectors. She used hand-embroidered applique cut from antique Chinese shawls in many of her designs and lined the sweaters in silk chiffon. They feature three-quarter length sleeves with pearl or other specialty buttons. She designed many for local socialites and often included them in the design process. These one-of-a kind sweaters she produced at her home were sold in resort boutiques in Palm Beach, Saratoga Springs and Lexington as well as high-end department stores across the country.

The cardigan sweater was an important part of the Fifties wardrobe, and embellished cashmere was at the height of fashion. Fifties fashion accessories will also be featured in the exhibit.

The exhibit showcases over 30 examples of these rare and beautiful treasures. Come & View these one of a kind treasures!

If Ms. Carruthers treasures are out of your price range, be sure to check out our VFG picks for beautiful and affordable vintage cardigans to add to your Spring closet!