Put Some Shizzle in Your Drizzle! Vintage Glassware

I do love collection of beautiful objects and price or origin has never been my motivator I don't think anyone could ever accuse me of being a snob and here is proof. This adorable set of glassware is a pretty adhoc and is not extraordinary in anyway but I love it being a reminder of a finer era.

 Check out the very short video and vote yes or no to the hair do - did!

I would love some more signature Jonathan Adler pieces like this little Lion to compliment some of my vintage items they blend in beautifully...and did you note I am looking out for fellow collectors? If you have a friend you might recommend please share the video with them.

Vintage Shopping - How to Get it Right!

I have a lot of people say to me...

I love what you are wearing I wish I could get away with it.

So...after a dismiss the notion that the comment could be a dig I thank them.

I shop vintage often and watch people struggle with the entire concept of the vintage shopping experience so I thought I would offer some guidelines.

My top ten hints for getting it right! 

1: It must call you!

You have to be drawn to it either by the colour texture or fabric.  

                                                      
2: Will it fit? 

This is of most importance and I would say you can almost totally ignore size labels. All of the size standards have changed for both local and international manufacturing.

For instance I am roughly an Australian size 10 sometimes a size 8 fit in the current sizing standard but have found that with older garments a size 14 will just fit. Vintage UK sizing are usually pretty correct and are often gauged by the bust size so I can buy a vintage pattern or garment in a size 32" or 34" and it will fit. Waist for UK sizes are usually pretty accurate but are often are tailored with corsetry in mind so depending on the era the garments may have tiny waists and womanly hips within the design. On this point you can check seam allowances to allow for alterations. Measure your self before you go, write it down if need be.

3: DO NOT damage the garment.  

This garment has survived, if it doesn't fit don't force it. Be gentle ask for assistance if necessary. Don't ruin the garment for the next person.

4: Allow a lot more time for the shopping experience. 

We are not talking off the rack these are rare items, take your time you will find your fit.

5: Do not butcher the fit! 

If it is a beautiful A line 60's frock don't think it will transform into a fitted dress well. The entire pattern construction is engineered for it to fit a certain way - some tweaks are very do able but silhouette is usually much harder to redefine...sometimes it is better not to try it will only look wrong.

I took this in just under the arms at the side seams and complied with the original design lines as the garment was intended.

The alterations are invisible - see the side seam and the accesories teamed
with the dress are sympathetic to the era.

6: Many vintage garments are home made by individuals - like back in the day. 

Watch for height issues. I just had the experience of finding an ideal shirt that I almost purchased without trying on. When I did pop it on I found the darts were way to high and this threw the entire look out of whack - an awkward fit makes the entire vintage thing look wrong. The garment was made for a very short person and on me the fit was not at all convincing. It has to look like YOU own it.

7: Is it too costumey? 

I often find that I love the loudest most ridiculous items they attract me - see my first point above. 

Clearly I am too busy talking here but what I am trying to say is this original late 60's early 70's Maxi looked far too costume before I shortened the hemline - any shorter however and it would revert to costume again.

8: Re think it! 

Okay what if it is too costumey but you must have it? Play everything else down while you wear it. Tone down the shoes and other items while being sympathetic to the look. See above.

9: Ask the shop assistant / store owner for assistance. 

They are working in the niche because they love it and a passionate person will be more than happy to help out.

10: Launder it well - you have worked hard to own your gem now take care of it. 

Mend where and when required, pop some new buttons on if you need to. Take your belts and bags to be cared for by experts, jackets can be relined, repaired and renewed by dry cleaning care.

*More tips soon on where to find the best items very soon so you might want to subscribe - meanwhile...to thine garments be kind.

Lisa has spoken x.

Shhh a little more here...

Sultry Sexy Sex Kittens of the 1960's ::: The Ladies

NOTE: They were referred to as 'kittens' implying an innocence, a naivety, a softness a harmlessness.
Behold the 1960's Sex Kitten and her beguiling, charming, enticing allure. Don't fret I am already considering Sirens for another blog post, for now its the nymphets. These felines smell of powder and hairspray, use bobby pins and fold fresh linen.

The incredible Brigitte Bardot - who later became a siren. Squeaky clean and very preened a model of good manners and coquettish temptation. 

 

Jean Shrimpton is said to be the worlds first super model. Too thin for my liking but a perfect example of the Sex Kitten. Perfect touchable hair, smouldering lips and dramatic made up eyes. Pure yet arresting images.

This is my favorite 

BAM! Supreme elegance and pared down sexy style.

  Natalie Wood

Ahh these women had something that cannot be replicated today.

Clean cut and enticing, her lawns would be perfectly manicured no doubt. She would would invite you in for a glass of milk or something more. The scent of her powder puff would be left in her wake.

These women offer sweeping fantasy's of opulent puritanical yet decadent lifestyles, of swimming pools and perfect twinsets, of cocktails and finery, of smouldering kisses and highly defined eyes.

 These females were represented as ladies...

A lady?

Feminine, refined, strong, self assured, pretty, elegant, intelligent and mighty sexy.

They might have been more covert but they sure look switched on and alert, why they might even coo and pur, swish their tail encircle your legs while giving you sweet come hither stares. Ahh the sweet fond softness of the Sex Kitten.