Fashion Parade for April 11: Easter Parade!

This week look for Easter egg pastels, flowery hats, prim gloves and other pretty vintage finds for Easter and spring.



Find a great vintage selection amongst the VFG members' offerings!





Vintage 1940s Helen Joyce Slate Blue Straw Derby Hat with Florals from ALLEY CATS VINTAGE

Vintage 50s Pale Blue Flowered Illusion Bodice Dress from VIVA VINTAGE CLOTHING

Vintage 60s Blue Cherries on White Gloves from JOULES VINTAGE

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

Welcome New Member: Jumblelaya!

From her eBay ME page: Jumblelaya (a pun coined from jambalaya + jumble) is a vintage fashion company offering a carefully edited collection of the best of the Midcentury, with iconic representatives from the 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s, and 80s. Our favorite era is certainly the 1950's (as popularized by Dior's New Look) and our favorite garment the cocktail party dress. We carry everything from the smaller American labels to the big and popular names in fashion.

You can shop her eBay store HERE and her Etsy store HERE.

Sunday Double Feature by ClubVintageFashions

Club Vintage Fashions presents:
Sunday Double Feature!

This week we are showcasing items from fellow Vintage Fashion Guild members that we think are "the berries" so without further ado here we go!

Patriotic Swing Peplum Dress Suit Vintage 50s Belted Nip Waist Jacket 2 Skirt Blue Hand Painted Red White Blue Accents 40s 3 Piece M L VLV from MaterialMemoriesLane

LILLI ANN PARIS Vintage 50s Coat in Holiday Mohair Plaid Wool with Attached Scarf from VintageDevotion

April 12th Fashion Parade *April Showers*

April 12th Fashion Parade *April Showers*

You know what they say about April showers...so why not enjoy them with vintage raincoats, umbrellas and other assorted rain gear?

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

Vintage 1950s Silk Rain Coat, Umbrella and Beret Set from PAST PERFECT VINTAGE

Vintage 1950s Cool Blue Atomic Print Pagoda Umbrella from DENISE BRAIN

Vintage 70s Deadstock Pink Polka Dot Belted Vinyl Raincoat from BIG YELLOW TAXI VINTAGE

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

See more vintage clothing and accessories at the APRIL 15th *FRESH VINTAGE* EDITION

April 5th Fashion Parade *Prom: Best Night Ever, Best Dress Ever*

April 5th Fashion Parade *Prom: Best Night Ever, Best Dress Ever*

No one will be dressed like you at your prom when you wear a vintage gown!

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

Vintage 50s Kerrybrook Pearls and Chiffon Shelf Bust Prom Dress from DAMN GOOD VINTAGE

Vintage Botticelli Originals Gold Lurex Round Toe Pumps from MATERIAL MEMORIES LANE

Vintage 50s Roses and Rhinestones Peach Lace Prom Dress from VINTAGE DEVOTION

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

See more vintage clothing and accessories at the APRIL 8th *FRESH VINTAGE* EDITION

An Unassuming Little Black Dress

Vintage fashion is interesting by nature because there's always something new to learn. It's a never ending cycle and so much fun. As an example, one of the first things I do with a new vintage purchase is to research the label. My first 'port of call' is always the VFG Label Resource. It's constantly updated, holds a wealth of information and saves lots of time.

However, I'd recently purchased this unassuming little black dress dating from the early 1980's. Labelled Akris of Switzerland, I couldn't find any information so got to doing a little of my own research. Here's what I discovered:

Akris was founded in Switzerland in 1922 by Alice Kriemler-Schoch. The company initially made simple, dotted aprons that were crafted by Kriemler-Schoch on a single sewing machine. In 1944, her son, Max Kriemler, took over the business. The company grew significantly and under Max Kriemler, Akris produced clothing lines for French designers Givenchy and Ted Lapidus.

In 1980, Max Kriemler’s right-hand man died so his son, Albert, was asked to postpone his fashion studies in Paris along with an apprenticeship at Givenchy, in order to help with the transition. As a result, Albert would never complete his fashion education but within that two year absence, he had already begun to take over the company.

Peter Kriemler, Albert’s brother, joined Akris in 1987 to head its financial side. Peter is now Akris’s global president, handling management and manufacturing. Under Albert Kriemler’s creative direction, Akris became increasingly conscious of the quality of its design. Albert is known for his creative flair and demand for uncompromising quality. In 1995, Akris also introduced a less expensive, younger-looking line called Akris Punto.

Akris was admitted to the French ‘Chambre Syndicale‘, the governing body of the French fashion industry, in 2000. Unusually, the company delayed participating in Paris Fashion Week until 2004, when it was able to secure a spot on one of the event’s most important days. In the 2000's, the company was one of the world’s fastest-growing designer brands, becoming the top seller at stores such as Bergdorf Goodman and Neiman Marcus.

Akris’s success is largely due to word of mouth. The company does very little advertising and its success differs considerably from that of other luxury brands as it doesn’t rely on production of signature fragrances or handbags and doesn’t license its name.

As an example of their uncompromising quality, a seamstress is required to train for two years before they can master the hand-finishing of Akris’s double-faced cashmere jackets, each of which requires two and a half days to complete.

Celebrity devotees of the Akran label include Condoleezza Rice, Nicole Kidman, Susan Sarondon and Angelina Jolie.

So, my unassuming little black dress is not quite so unassuming after all!

c/o Catwalk Creative Vintage

Information credit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Akris

March 22 Fashion Parade *Be Spotted in Vintage*

March 22 Fashion Parade *Be Spotted in Vintage*

Pin dots, polka dots, and coin dots are perennially cute for spring...Spot the vintage polka dots of your dreams this week!

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

Vintage 50s Polka Dot Full Skirt Dress with Sailor Collar from VIVIAN BELLE VINTAGE

Vintage 60s Orange Polka Dot Shift Linen Dress from VINTAGE FAN ATTIC

Vintage 80s Apropos Italian Leather Peep Toe Ankle Tie Pumps from JOULES VINTAGE

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

See more vintage clothing and accessories at the MARCH 25TH *FRESH VINTAGE* EDITION

August 17 Fashion Parade *Skirt the Issue*

Circle or straight, pleated, flounced, ruffled, pencil...we're talking skirts here, and we have plenty of the vintage variety!

Vintage 1950s fabulous Disney Lady & the Tramp circle skirt from MAGS RAGS

Mauve suede 70's skirt with contrast trim from VIVA VINTAGE CLOTHING

Novelty print African voodoo dancers from Vintage FanAttic on etsy

You can find more fantastic vintage skirts on the VINTAGE FASHION GUILD FASHION PARADE!

August 10 Fashion Parade *Lazy Summer Mornings*

August 10 Lazy Summer Mornings Could there be a more appealing way to spend a lazy vacation morning at home than dressed in a beautiful vintage robe, peignoir or housecoat? We think not!

Vintage 1950s atomic Miss Swank harem leg pajama set from ALLEY CAT VINTAGE on RubyLane


Yummy daisy housecoat by St Michael from CATWALK CREATIVE

Tosca yellow ivory set from TERESAS TREASURES

You can find more sumemr morning vintage from VFG members on the VINTAGE FASHION GUILD FASHION PARADE!

May 18th Fashion Parade *COME OUT AND PLAY*

COME OUT AND PLAY!
Casual but classy, these examples of play-time clothing are great for your summer leisure time. Shorts to capris, simple cotton blouses to Tshirts; show off what you would wear in your retro down time.

Vintage 1950s denim sun bra by Career Size B from ALLEY CATS VINTAGE on Mainstreet Mall

NOS fun floral romper from VINTAGE PRETTIES on RubyLane

Super short "bad girl" high waisted shorts and matching shirt set from
MISS MARTY'S VINTAGE APPARELL on etsy

Check out more fantastic vintage playwear for summer from VFG members on the VINTAGE FASHION GUILD FASHION PARADE!

December 29***VFG Fashion Parade***Make it a Resolution!

Make it a New Year's resolution to add vintage to your wardrobe in 2009! Classic looks that work just as well today as they did then.

Aqua cashmere cardigan from the 50s goes with skirts or jeans! From
VIVA VINTAGE CLOTHING

Warm weather sundress that Audrey Hepburn would have loved to wear, with lattice weave and ribbon detailing. A flattering design that will never go out of style! From the collection of MAGS RAGS

1960's black lace cocktail dress, still perfect for a night on the town! From PROPER VINTAGE CLOTHING

More never out of style vintage clothing at the VINTAGE FASHION GUILD FASHION PARADE!

December 15***VFG Fashion Parade***All I Want For Christmas

Great ideas for last minute vintage holiday gifts!

Vintage gold mesh bag, perfect for New Years Parties from FREUDIAN SLIPS VINTAGE

Luxe 50s Oomphies black velvet slippers with gold flowers, size 5
from THE SPECTRUM

50s pure white genuine mink shoulder wrap, perfect over evening gowns and cocktail dresses....from DOROTHEA'S CLOSET VINTAGE

More last minute vintage holiday gifts at the VINTAGE FASHION GUILD FASHION PARADE!

December 1***VFG Fashion Parade***All That Glitters

Tis the season to sparkle and shine with beads, sequins, silver, and gold.

Vintage Albert Nipon by Night grecian goddess gown from GLAMOURSAVVY.COM

Gold brocade 1960's dress
from PROPER VINTAGE CLOTHING.COM

Elegant 30s bias cut black velvet & sequins dress from CORSETSANDCRINOLINES.COM

More vintage bling at the VINTAGE FASHION GUILD FASHION PARADE!

The VFG Makes a Hall of Fame!

The Vintage Fashion Guild thanks Dave Margulius, editor at THE COLLECTORS WEEKLY website for adding our blog to their HALL OF FAME. The site focuses on antiques & collecting. A (very flattering!) quote from the write up....

While primarily designed to steer buyers to online vintage clothing shops, this blog is chock full of interesting, high quality images and commentary on vintage fashion, and therefore worth a look. Use the Blog Archive pulldown menu to see previous featured items, or the labels links on the lower right to browse by topic.

Our heartfelt thanks to the folks at Collectors for noticing us, and for including vintage apparel in their definition of antiques and collectibles!

VFG Featured Members Week of July 16

Vintage Fashion Guild Featured Members

for the week of July 16, 2008...

Carrie at thevintagebungalow:

VFG member Carrie Wellborn is the owner of a suite of online vintage sites under the name The Vintage Bungalow. The name of her
business comes from her passion for vintage and her love of the Arts & Crafts bungalow.

"I began wearing vintage in High School and have included it in my wardrobe ever since. I love to mix vintage pieces with
contemporary pieces for a one of kind look."

Carrie truly feels that vintage is for everyone. "It's not just about dressing head to toe vintage for a special event. It's about adding something from the past to make your wardrobe fresh."

Of course, like most vintage sellers, she is addicted to the hunt. "I am out looking for new items on a daily basis. I cannot stop buying,
so I will continually be adding something new to my online stores."

Marie at Thevintagepeddler:

The Vintage Peddler is owned and operated by a mother/daughter and best friends dynamic duo. They have been selling vintage
clothing and accessories online since 1999. Originally from Southern California, the
vintagepeddler is now based out of Charlotte, NC. If you are ever in the area, please drop them
a line!

"We are both passionate about our business and especially about vintage clothing. We scour the Southeast continuously in pursuit of all things
vintage and/or unusual so that we can offer them to you. Our passion is for vintage clothes and retro pieces from the 50's, 60's, 70's and 80's. Although most of our items are vintage and retro pieces, we don't limit ourselves to just that. Check our
website to find vintage art t-shirts, books, furniture, and some very cute pictures of our English Sheepdog Doba's puppies."

 

Rachelle at Truesmom:

Offering quality vintage clothing on ebay since
1998, Truesmom Vintage Clothing offers a variety of great looking and affordable vintage items.
Rachelle closely follows the current fashion trends to bring you the most up-to-date, stylish vintage garments, so you can create your own edgy and
eclectic mix of vintage and trendy clothing. If you see it on the pages of Vogue, Bazaar, Elle, or In Style, chances are you will see the vintage version of it in truesmom auctions.

"Check out our always changing stock of fun, funky and flirty dresses. We are also happy to have a fun and eclectic lot of vintage party and cocktail dresses, dating from the 1950's to the 1980's. If you have a special occasion coming up, take a look through our listings for some
truly unique dresses."

the Modern Rockabilly

As promised, a follow up to the entry about the origin or history of the "rockabilly" look as it applies to the fashion world. While vintage clothing sellers struggle to get their 50s wares in front of those in the rockabilly scene and RAB kids struggle to FIND the pieces they want, its important and beneficial for both parties that the sellers understand what those involved in the scene are looking for. Surprisingly, looking over pictures contributed by attendees from past weekenders at VIVA LAS VEGAS, a weekend event taking place in, you guessed it, Las Vegas, indicates the typical rockabilly scenester is wearing less and less TRUE vintage and instead opting for vintage-inspired. Manufacturers like Stop Staring!, Hot Topic and ReMix Shoes have targeted that market and done quite well. Given the size issue that can come into play as well as cost factors, its easy to see why the fans of this look are going the easier route, despite its lack of authenticity.

For those looking to learn what vintage or vintage looks those in the scene are wearing, the answers are often more obvious than you'd think. The rockabilly scene NOW has taken the traditional looks we talked about last week and caricaturized them.....souped them up, tweaked them. For the girls, that means lots of red, bold prints and bombshell figure fitting dresses that expose enough skin to show off their tattoos. Hawaiian prints are favored, along with cherries and novelty prints in bold colors....halters, strapless and backless dress silhouettes. Wiggle dresses trump full skirts. Pencil skirts, snug cigarette and capri pants, modern tank tops mixed with short sleeve vintage blouses and cardigans. Stiletto heel shoes at night, 50s sandals for day events. Some images from VLV....

Dance competitions bring out the lindy hoppers, certainly pre-50's rockabilly but the 40s look is acceptable within the scene....

Gabardine jackets with bold colors, two tone detailing and sharp cuts are favored by the men wearing vintage....

Dramatic color, exaggerated lines, wild prints and lots of RED define the contemporary rockabilly look. A parting gift.....rockabillies dancing in Japan.

**Guild Members in the NEWS!**

Congrats to Guild member Cathy Alcorn of Metro Retro in Anchorage, Alaska for some recent press about her shop in the up and coming Spenard district of the city. Read about how Cate is a contributor to the districts current rennaisance in the ANCHORAGE DAILY NEWS....and if you ever get up north, pop in and check out her selection of vintage! A little taste of what Metro Retro offers....

We applaud Cate for preserving both the history of fashion AND her city!

MySpace Fashion

VFG is the Featured Profile on MySpace Fashion :)

Check it out!

http://www.myspace.com/fashion

VOTE 4 VFG!

Come by and vote for the VFG Blog at the Blogger's Choice Awards!