Many vintage and antique aficionados will tell you that one of the best parts is the joy of finding the thing you’re looking for. We all love to get a good deal, a good score, and the difficulty of finding treasures leads to a greater degree of satisfaction when they’re found, and subsequently worn. Hunting Read more
In rereading some of the posts and feedback I’ve gotten on the first three parts of this series, I’ve noticed that I might need to clarify or supplement a few ideas. Here we go! 1. Why? It struck me while I was cleaning out my closet that I never really addressed the reasons why someone Read more
So, we’ve been working on building your visual language and by now, you’ve got a pretty good idea of what look you’re going for. Now it’s time to go shopping… in your closet! This is equal parts fun and time consuming, but so worth it. As best you can, pull out everything in your closet. Read more
“After all,” says Ceil, “a woman is still a woman, so why not admit it?” If there’s one well-known name in mid-20th century evening wear, particularly in draping, it’s Ceil Chapman. She’s often been described as an engineer or architect of fabric, conforming it to a woman’s body to highlight not only its shape but to Read more
Last time, we started to build a visual language which will ultimately develop into how you choose and edit your wardrobe. I asked you a few questions, some of which obviously relate to your wardrobe and some not obviously. What do your restaurant and city preferences have to do with anything? Well, think about how Read more
I dress in vintage clothes and accessories every single day. I do it for a number of reasons, including the fact that vintage fits better, is higher quality for what I can afford and it’s often unique. And let’s face it, I’m cheap. I don’t like to pay gobs of money for mass-produced clothing, copies Read more
Yes, it’s another California designer. What can I say? I live here. And California designers played such a huge role in fashion, especially sportswear, during and in the decades following World War II, and I love learning about how they helped shape global trends. Lee Herman is a pretty good example of that, actually. Though Read more
There were a lot of mid-priced sportswear companies out of California in the 1950s, making sun-ready fashions for pool, patio and suburban living. Sun Rose was one of those California sportswear companies. They incorporated in 1946, though this purchase order for JC Penney indicates they were producing their stylish separates as early as 1941. It Read more
I’m kind of obsessed with this woman’s dresses. Her ability to drape and flatter the body are legendary, and once I discovered her work, I wanted to know more about her. I also wanted to wear her dresses as often as possible. This one might be my favorite: 1950s navy blue jersey draped cocktail dress Read more
I love museums. I think it has something to do with the fact that I really like old things (as you see above) and museums are often filled with them, arranged to tell a story and educate. This is, as they say, my jam. Combine a museum trip with a vintage clothing shop and you Read more
