Modern Vintage Clothing

Adorable shirts are now back

2010-09-05T15:21:00.000-07:00

These skirts are fabulous! We are getting them in around next Thursday! Remember if you live near Draper Utah you can stop by ( with an appointment ) and try stuff on!!!

Oh my goodness! This belt is so dang cute. We are now taking Pre-Orders for these belts. We will not receive them till mid June, but make sure to order now to ensure you will get one!!!

These Adorable shirts are now back in stock. Available in all 3 colors!~

And God Created Woman | Vogue UK September 2010 with Guienevere van Seenus

2010-08-08T18:22:00.000-07:00

I adore the styling of this editorial photographed by Javier Vallhonart . The belted sweater tops with the full skirts, the ribbon in her hair, the socks with heels. I'm so happy to see a return of more feminine shapes on the Fall runways that aren't too fussy or too dainty.

Images from: Fashion Gone Rogue

The Adorevintage Fashion Film Project

2010-08-05T18:14:00.000-07:00

I've just finished ironing all of the beautiful vintage pieces we'll be shooting this weekend for our fashion film collaboration with Williams + Wade. The 1930s ruffled dress with pink velvet bow was quite a pain to iron as our steamer is on loan to a theater that I was wardrobe assisting. I literally ironed it square by square with a cotton kitchen towel over it. It took a good 30 minutes. *phew*

We'll be shooting in San Diego on lovely fields and forests and then along the shore with pebbled beaches and large cliffs. *dreamy* I know all will go well and it's going to turn out amazing! And hopefully the Williams + Wade team will want to collaborate on future short film projects!

If you're curious how the shoot is going and want behind the scene access on Adorevintage's first fashion film, be sure to follow us on Twitter as I'll be tweeting about our adventures the whole weekend!

Fashions of the Late 1960s + Early 1970s by F.C. Gundlach

2010-08-05T09:49:00.000-07:00

The mid to late 60s set the stage for Hippie fashions. These fashion photos depict the styles between 1966-1971 captured by West German photographer, FC Gundlach. His most famous photo is probably that one of the girl in the geometric bathing suit with her hands behind her back (most associated with MOD).

Photography by F.C. Gundlach

Trend Spotting: Floral Shorts

2010-08-04T09:28:00.000-07:00

Love the floral shorts trend happening right now! They were quite popular in the 80's and 90's. I remember wearing quite a few (floral biker shorts and denim florals) with high tops or jellies!

1.} Adorevintage.com
2.} Adorevintage.com
3.} Topshop
4.} Topshop
5.} Modekungen
6.} Matthe Williamson

Another reason I love this trend? The longer & looser lengths! I've always hated very short shorts and even worse short and tight fitting shorts. Not very many people can wear them and look good, but the new shorts trend is much more flattering.

Obsession Du Jour: Square Cropped Tops, Lace Up Boots, Pleated Bottoms, & Deers

2010-08-04T01:23:00.000-07:00

Very obsessed with cropped tops, especialy more blouson/square shaped blouses with more geometric details. Paired with slim fit trousers with pleat details, tucked in or out. So chic!

I'm also obsessing over lace up boots. At the flea market over the weekend I spotted a few I liked, one I LOVED and very stupidly decided to quench my thirst first BEFORE buying the boots, and upon my return... the lovely boots were gone!

And of course, in the same theme as my last Obsession du Jour with all things nature inspired, I am keen on finding deer antlers to display above my desk, particularly one mounted on a plaque and hopefully one that looks a bit fake as I really don't want to be reminded a living creature was killed and its remains now hang as decor on my walls. Again, found a perfect set at the flea market, however there was just a few remnants of fur on them and it really sickened me. Perhaps I'll go the alternate route and get the cardboard antlers... I'd also like a few deer figurines, spotted ones. Maybe to display on my dresser, trotting off towards my stack of fairy tale books...

Inside the MAD MEN Wardrobe Closet

2010-08-03T15:16:00.000-07:00

Costume designer Janie Bryant takes you behind the scenes onto the Mad Men Wardrobe Truck! A vintage lover's dream! Look at all of those vintage inspired dresses! My favorite ensembles are Peggy's... the little ascot ties, The Toggle Coat, all the cute cardis paired with plaid skirts... definitely my favorite.

Credits: Video courtesy of AMC TV

Vintage Photographs | Let's Have A Picnic

2010-08-03T08:15:00.000-07:00

Behind the Scenes at the Beverly Hills Planet Salon Fashion Show

2010-08-02T12:49:00.000-07:00

Last weekend I was hired to style a group of lovely ladies for a fashion show for Planet Salon in Beverly Hills (very exciting) and I was able to snap a few backstage photos... unfortunately I am not so skilled at taking photos when there isn't much light and when people are always moving... The experience was fantastic. It was the first time I had ever styled for an actual show instead of shoots. (And this weekend is my FILM styling debut, woo-hoo!)

The girls all had very romantic hair, so to coincide with the hair, I wanted them to look ethereal, a little fairy-like even. Some of the models felt like they were walking down the aisle instead of a runway... *hehe* I wish I had photographed more of the actual show and the people that came to see, there were a lot of fantastic outfits to be found! Perhaps another time!

Monday Inspiration | A Mystery Man

2010-08-02T10:18:00.000-07:00

"Shall we make a new rule of life from tonight: always try to be a little kinder than is necessary?" — J.M. Barrie

Inspiring Outfits | Our Weekly Favorites

2010-08-01T07:45:00.000-07:00

Style Sightings | Ground Grazing
I'm happy to see a comeback for Maxi skirts. Love how preppy this outfit is with the tassel oxfords.

Nicola Sharkey Photography | St. Andrews, Scotland
Everything about this is perfect, the trench, the striped blouse, the red scarf, the leather satchel... I love how it was all pieced together, so harmonious!

The Sartorialist | On the Street....Lucia, Florence
Darling, just darling! I would wear this in a heartbeat if only I knew how to tie scarves like that in my hair.

Lookbook.nu | Hannah M
Another favorite? Polka dots! I love the pairing of the black dottie shorts with a nude loose tee. So simple and perfect.

All The Pretty Birds | Personality
I have a weakness for little floral dresses and straw boater hats. And wait, it gets better. Her bag is vintage! Well, it very much appears vintage, so I'll just say it is.

Copenhagen Streetstyle | Bouquet De Fleurs
An old tee with floral shorts. It's the floral shorts that got me. I am currently in love with them! (See for yourself...)

Style Icon: Brigitte Bardot

2010-07-30T09:12:00.000-07:00

"I have been very happy, very rich, very beautiful, much adulated, very famous and very unhappy." - Brigitte Bardot

Fashion influence: In fashion the Bardot neckline (a wide open neck that exposes both shoulders) is named after her. Bardot popularized this style which is especially used for knitted sweaters or jumpers although it is also used for other tops and dresses.

Curious & Curiouser | This Week's Vintage Finds from Etsy

2010-07-29T20:17:00.000-07:00

We've recently been inspired by things with a natural & scientific feel and clothing and accessories that echo Victorian trends such as lace and bows. What's inspiring you this week?

Antique Laboratory Stand from Ethan Ollie's $79.00

Vintage 1920s TIMELESS CLASSIC LACE CAPE Dress from Simplicity is Bliss $214.00

1887 Antique Chromolithograph of Butterflies. Plate No. 15 from Banana Strudel $16.00

Vintage CHAMOISEE SUEDE Booties 7.5 from Allen Company $52.00

Vintage Lolita Lace Bow from Mama LeAnne $14.00

Vintage Glass Specimen Domes from Scottie in a Canoe $21.00

LOOKBOOK Preview | Adorevintage Summer/Autumn 2010

2010-07-28T08:04:00.000-07:00

The Lookbook photoshoot went so well yesterday! Very excited about it and have a wonderful team of people to work with! Here is a small preview of what's to come for Adorevintage...

Little Black Vintage Dresses & Anthropologie-esque Vintage Blouses | A Sneak Peek for Monday's Shop Updates

2010-07-25T19:27:00.000-07:00

Vintage 1960s dresses with lace, bows, and ruffle trimmings. Every lady needs little black dress, and why not make it a chic little black vintage dress?

{ click image to preview in the shop }

The details on these blouses (two are vintage, one is "modern" vintage - i.e. vintage inspired) are so feminine and sweet. From pale periwinkle polka dots, to sheer floral lace detailed sleeves, to the very faint blushing pink grid pattern... so much loveliness!

{ click image to preview in the shop }

Vintage Homes | Jamie Isaia and Anthony Malat's Apartment of Curiosities in Brooklyn New York

2010-07-25T12:03:00.000-07:00

From... The Selby

The Lives They Lead | A Collection of Vintage Photographs Depicting the Memorable Moments of the Past

2010-07-24T10:23:00.000-07:00

Each photo has been selected to share because there is a detail that I particularly fell in love with that was worth noting. For example, in the last photo notice the entire family is wearing "Red, White, & Blue"? And in the photo with the two women in pastel dressese visiting the Huntington Gardens in Los Angeles they have wicker basket purses with flower motifs. It's true, a photograph really is worth a thousand words.

Image Credits: If you click on each image it will take you to the original photo

Obsession Du Jour: Dotted Blouses, Lace Tanks, & Phillip Lim Trousers

2010-07-23T13:06:00.000-07:00

It may not come to a surprise that we love neutrals which is quite apparent in the non vintage clothing we wish our little hearts out for including these elastic waisted 3.1 Phillip Lim trousers, Poly/Cotton too and at nearly $700 JEEZ.

On a side note, we're currently intrigued by specimen displays, particularly those of plant life and sea life. After a visit to our favorite antique shop in Santa Monica, we noticed a pluthera of glass domes with honeycombs, corals, starfish, ferns, moss... similar to terrariums, but with non-living items inside.

Wildflowers are a huge inspiration for us right now too... hmm...

Vintage Find of the Day | Vintage 1970s Leather Wedges

2010-07-22T09:56:00.000-07:00

Brazilian made vintage wedge sandals... the perfect accompaniment to a floral summer frock or cuffed trousers. Size 7, snap them up on Etsy!

Where to buy: Eva Mania Design, $59

Vintage Tunes | Rosemary Clooney "Mambo Italiano"

2010-07-21T21:48:00.000-07:00

We dare you to watch this without singing along or smiling. Wasn't Rosemary Clooney such a doll? We love her twirly dress too.

HEY MAMBO!

Daily Inspirations: Pastoral Dreams & Rural Ideals

2010-07-20T23:46:00.000-07:00

I have a very idealistic picture in my mind of rural life. Maybe my feelings are like that of Marie Antoinette... she went so far as to have a make believe rustic village made for her, the Hameau de la Reine.

Vintage Inspired Love| Rebecca Taylor : Resort 2011

2010-07-20T12:35:00.000-07:00

Simply adore the casual prettiness this collection evokes. The dainty "Mori Girl" inspired floral prints and the breezy fabrics coupled with the slouchy jackets and cardis... simply love it! Me thinks the AdoreVintage late summer, early Autumn collection will veer towards this look... pretty and just a little rough on the edges.

All images: Rebecca Taylor via Style.com

Vintage Sewing Patterns | Understanding the 1940s Dress Silhouette

2010-07-18T11:20:00.000-07:00

It is important to note the emphasis on the shoulders in the 1940s dress silhouette. Some costume historians say this trend came about because of the growing responsibilities of the average woman in the 1940s, especially during the war years. Many men were sent off to war and the women assumed their positions in their absence. Perhaps broader shoulders were associated with being stronger, more confident, perhaps evoking that "Can Do, Will Do" attitude.

The broader shoulders also extended to jackets, blazers, coats, and blouses. The 1940s silhoutte can best be described with broader shoulders, nipped in waists, and a-line skirts usually calf length to falling a bit below the knee.

9 Pairs of Shoes We Covet for Autumn

2010-07-16T09:16:00.000-07:00

From lace up oxfords to bow tie mary-janes, it's quite apparent what the trend is here. For fall we're loving footwear in nude neutrals and earth tones but minus the hippie vibe. We'd like to think the pretties posted here give off a steampunk vibe but without all the inky blacks.

Find similar styles at Endless.com

(Because these were pulled off from Polyvore most of the shop links no longer work as the shoes themselves are no longer available.)

An Invitation For Tea | History Tidbits & Pictorial Morsels

2010-07-15T11:12:00.000-07:00

"Find yourself a cup of tea; the teapot is behind you. Now tell me about hundreds of things." - Saki

According to legend, tea was first discovered by the Chinese emperor, Shen Nung (2737-2697), when he was boiling some drinking water. To create his fire he was using twigs from a wild tea bush and a gust of wind blew some of the tea leaves into his boiling water. The happy accident resulted into what is now the second most consumed beverage in the world (after water) and that my dears is tea.

Oh wonderful, wonderful tea! A drink that changed an entire empire (the British), seeped in ancient tradition (the Japanese), and evokes lovely images of vintage teacups, lace linens, and flouncy dresses (me and many others that share my sentiments).

As you may have already guessed, I am deeply fascinated by history, fashion, and food. So when all three come together, it's like a giant cosmos of happiness on my part. So, here is a little tidbit that puts all three together.

The modern day "Earl Grey Tea" was named after The Second Earl of Grey (Charles Grey) who had a love affair with Georgiana Duchess of Devonshire who herself was a hugely influential fashion icon in the late 1700s when she would arrive at parties with 3 foot ostrich feathers on her already 3 foot tall hair styles.

Credits: If you are interested in learning anymore about Tea or Georgiana, I recommend these books as I gathered the information here from them.

"A History of World in 6 Glasses" by Tom Standage. And "Georgiana Duchess of Devonshire" by Amanda Foreman. All images from We♥It

Mix 1 part old watch parts, a touch of Victorian velvet and lace, goggles, maybe a bustier and much creative inclination and what might you get?

2010-07-14T14:32:00.001-07:00

All those things, and actually significantly much more (and unfortunately not Oldman in ANY of his incarnations).... would equal Steampunk - the fashion aspect in particular. It's defined pretty well here in Wikipedia along with its tangent genres and if you've never run across the term before I think it's safe for me to say it's a subculture primarily influenced by the steam powered industrialization of the 19th century blended with fantasy and science fiction. It's very hard to put in a nutshell, that's for certain. It's not merely a fad of fashion ( it would be enormously unfair to label it as such as it origins begin in the 1980s) that I have any concrete participation in (I had heard the term here and there and was somewhat aware of it) although I find it wonderfully interesting and the purveyors of it enormously creative.

Of course old school vintage is what I most closely associate and identify with (being old school myself by definition) emphasizing on plucking this and that from different eras to enhance a current wardrobe. But anything that utilizes vintage and includes heavy doses of imagination and creativity gets my vote.

It's worth delving into a bit deeper also if you're at all interested in vintage fashion of the the Victorian and Edwardian eras and what it can influence and how it can be used. I especially like the philosophy boiled down to a paragraph in the opening intro to The Steampunk Home about how the many aspects of the movement strive to hold onto things of the past firmly while incorporating and embracing technology, either real or imagined. The old one foot hold in the past and one in the future outlook with a twist of punky rebellion and a dash of the, well... slightly bizarre. And it can influence all aspects of your environment - lifestyle, home decor, living spaces, etc.

Even if you're not a candidate for dressing head to toe in upcycled Victoriana and attending a Steampunk convention in your area anytime time soon there are many unique and beautiful items available for sale with this tag. Take for example this intriguing Octopus Hair Ornament/Brooch from Steampunk Couture at where else...Etsy!

An apparent bestseller and for good reason. And if you are truly a devotee and aficionado of Steampunk you can also have your costume hand rendered and custom made to fit from this talented designer as sturdy wearable Victorian garments are a tough find.

Which brings me to at least 1 new addition available at Mystique Vintage. This black satin Victorian mourning jacket is what inspired me to review Steampunk and it's various accoutrements.

Victorian items are things of beauty and wonder and not items I especially seek out for resale. Actual garments from this area for the most part are non wearable and are best suited for behind the velvet rope in a museum display. But from time to time I do run across them. Most often it's the sturdy cotton and linen "whites" - ladies under things, long slips, camisoles and bloomers. And secondly the black mourning attire seems to stand the test of time as it was worn for that somber "special occasion" and promptly put away.

Ergo this special piece - very much wearable and though I'm inclined to think it actually hails from the late 19th century due to it's construction details it could very well be a spot on reproduction, complete with the characteristic leg o mutton sleeves, and faceted glass buttons of the era.

Most likely it was part of a two piece ensemble with a bustle skirt that's long been lost and it's distinctive styling should catch the eye and imagination of anyone with a dramatic flair.

Whatever fashion passion you may or may not possess - taking even a cursory look at a phenomena like Steampunk and all it encompasses can add yet another dimension to what wearing vintage clothing is all about and what the machine of human creativity can produce.

Smashing Pumpkins - "Tonight, Tonight"

Mix 1 part old watch parts, a touch of Victorian velvet and lace, goggles, maybe a bustier and much creative inclination and what might you get?

2010-07-14T14:32:00.000-07:00

Celeb Style: Zooey Deschanel Vintage Dress Round Up

2010-07-14T09:59:00.000-07:00

Zooey Deschanel, the darling of vintage dress wearers. Whether she's appearing on the red carpet or charming us with her old fashioned crooning (the latter is this post's fashion focus), we love how she so often chooses to wear vintage dresses for her performances.

For Zooey Deschanel Vintage inspired dresses, visit our Zooey Style section in the shop! { Zooey Style }

Credits: ZooeyDeschanel.net, 1st Photo by Something Started Crazyy (flickr), 5th Photo by Nik Sibley

Summer Giveaway | Win a Gift Card to Shop Adore Vintage

2010-07-14T08:58:00.000-07:00

We've joined forces with The Vintage Mama for a spur of the moment Summer Giveaway! Enter to win a $25 GIFT CERTIFICATE at our shop Adore Vintage. Details reposted below from The Vintage Mama's Blog.

Win a fabulous $25 gift certificate to shop Adore Vintage. All you have to do is pop on over to her shop, browse through her fab finds and comment here on your favorite item and where you would wear it . Here are 2 of my faves:

Want an extra entry? Tweet this contest, follow me on twitter and/or follow Adore Vintage on twitter! Winner will be randomly selected (via Alfalfa picking a name out of a fedora) and will be announced here on Thursday July 22.

Here are the specifics again:

Visit Adore Vintage and pick a favorite item

Leave a comment here on which item you picked and where you would wear it to

For additional chances follow me and/or Adore Vintage on twitter (make sure you send us a tweet with the hashtag #winvintage)

You can tweet this contest (again make sure you mention @TheVintageMama or @AdoreVintageCom AND use the hashtag #winvintage)

Contest will close Wednesday, July 21st midnight Pacific time.

Winner will be randomly selected and notified by email and posted on this blog on Thursday July 22nd.

Good luck!

An Interview With Lily Elsie, London's Most Celebrated Beauty of the Edwardian Times

2010-07-13T10:41:00.000-07:00

I know it was just a month ago that I first posted about Lily Elsie, but I find her so beautiful that I had to do another post so soon!

Lily Elsie (LE): They called me Little Elsie.

Spencer Edwards (SE): It may be supposed, then, that you commenced your professional career when quite a child?

LE: That was so. I sang ballads. Some friends were flattering enough to call me the infant Patti.

SE: And you took to the stage, I suppose, as the duck takes to water?

LE: Well, I played in the pantomime Red Riding Hood [at the Queen's Theatre, Manchester, Christmas 1896] when I was only eleven years of age, and, subsequently, I went to the [music] halls. My first regular engagement for theatrical work was a tour of M'Kenna's Firtation [a farce by E. Selden, first produced at the Opera House, Coventry, 1 August 1892].

SE: A natural sequence, I see. First the flirtation, then regular 'engagements,' and now the honeymoon - A Chinese Honeymoon.

LE: You may put it that way if you like (laughing sweetly).

---

Lily Elsie with her toy terrier dog.
LE: There, mamma, that's what I should like to do when I'm a woman!' Of course, there was an indignant chorus of the 'hush' sort, and the wonder was that I was not led out and taken home in disgrace. - (Lily proclaiming to her Mama that she wants to be an actress at the age of 8)

---

These are just snippets from an interview with Lily Elsie. (Credits and links to follow)

Credits: G. Spencer Edwards, The Illustrated Sporting and Dramatic News, London, Saturday, 28 May 1904. { Full Interview }

The Vintage Home: Decorating Inspirations From A French Farmhouse

2010-07-12T20:44:00.000-07:00

I am so in love with this old stone house, can I just move in for the summer, please? I love the rustic & primitive charms and all of the bleached linens. These photos are from a farmhouse near the the small village of Lussan. You can find many more photos at Living Inside (Italian)

Why do we no longer unexpectedly dance in coffee shops a la Jean-Luc Godard?

2010-07-11T21:03:00.000-07:00

I adore this sort of dancing. It's silly and simple and you feel as if you could just jump right in and snappity snap get into the groove of things.

My all time favorite dance scene of course is Audrey Hepburn in "Funny Face" when she is in the "Beatnik" bar in Paris. Oh, Audrey, how I love thee!

The Finishing Touches: Sneak Peek At New Vintage Accessories & Costume Jewelry

2010-07-08T12:20:00.000-07:00

This week at Adorevintage we're bringing you lots of pretty little extras to top off your ensembles. Be sure to check out { the shop } to see more images and to call first dibs!

"Let Them Eat Cake", History Tidbits & Pictorial Morsels

2010-07-07T09:00:00.000-07:00

The Famous Words Marie Antoinette Did NOT Say. Although the young princess of France is associated with this phrase, it was actually first written by philosopher Jean-Jaques Rousseau in reference to the large gap between the rich and the poor in society at that time. And when he had written this (around 1766), Marie Antoinette was only 10 years old, not yet the Queen of France, not for another 4 years anyway.

The actual phrase written in French is "Qu'ils mangent de la brioche", brioche being less fancy than cake (but still quite delicious if we might add). The brioche has been around as far back as the middle ages and consists of plenty of eggs and butter.

Image Credits: Marie Antoinette in Muslin Dress, Still Life With Brioche painted by Jean Baptiste Siméon Chardin. Modern imagery from We♥It

Independence Day Outfit Inspirations: Show Us Your Red, White, & Blue!

2010-07-02T08:27:00.000-07:00

Hope all of you Stateside gals have fun plans for Independence Day Weekend! Here are some vintage outfit inspirations from a few of our favorite fashion bloggers.

Fashion Credits: 1.]Slanellestyle, 2.] The Clothes Horse, 3.] Alma Luna, 4.] Dasha S., 5.] Ziuta, 6.] Patricia Prieto, 7.] Jess Loves Fred, 8.] Another Day to Dress Up, 9.] Tiny Toadstool

WEAR & SEEK: Golden Poplars Maillot & Yellow Walnut Blossoms

2010-07-01T18:22:00.000-07:00

A new feature for the AV Blog, "WEAR & SEEK" will be a pairing of one of our beloved vintage items with a beloved photograph. Vintage textiles can be so inspiring sometimes! We chose this image because it reminds us of the arbor print on this vintage 1950s bombshell maillot.

WEAR: Vintage 1950s Golden Poplars Maillot, $168
SEEK: Yellow Walnut Flowers, Flickr

What is a Maillot - Defining Vintage Fashion Terms

2010-06-27T19:50:00.000-07:00

A Maillot is a one piece bathing suit and was first used in the 1920s to describe tight fitting swimwear. Remember, bathing suits in the earlier part of the 20th century looked more like sundresses with full skirts and sleeveless styles.

Usually when I see the word "Maillot" to describe a bathing suit I imagine a strapless or heart shaped bust bathing suit or one with vintage inspired details such as ruching at the waist. To me, a Maillot is synonymous with the bathing suit styles of the 1950s.

Now a days we just call it a one piece. But if you want to be a bit more fancy, you can say you're planning on sun bathing in your gorgeous maillot bathing suit instead of sunbathing in your one piece. *hehe*

Image credits: 1.] Vintage Maillot Advertisement by Catalina Swimwear, 2.] Yellow Maillot With Matching Swim Cap, 3.] Maillot Pin-up at the Beach, 4.] Modern Maillot, 5.] Vintage Inspired Maillot, 6.] Anthropologie.com

Backstage at BALMAIN in 1954, A Glimpse At Couture Fashion by Mark Shaw

2010-06-27T09:30:00.000-07:00

From a never published series for LIFE magazine, "Balmain Backstage in Paris 1954" shot by Mark Shaw. There are so many delightful details in these photos, you really must take some time to look over them and see the hidden delights. The box purses, the satin gloves, the oh so lovely shoes.

Do you notice how well kept all the assistants are too? A lot of modern day backstage photos show assistants that look a bit... rushed... if you will.

Oh goodness, look at those under things! Granny panties and couture! HAHA!

And you might also take notice, some models back then were pretty much as thin as the models in present times, but were just "softer" in appearance.

What Audrey Hepburn Wore to the 1967 Oscars

2010-06-26T18:40:00.000-07:00

Nominated for "Best Actress in Leading Role" at the 1967 Academy Awards for "Wait Until Dark", Audrey Hepburn always dazzled at the Oscars with her classic and feminine style.

Although she didn't bring home the coveted golden statue (the award went to the other Hepburn, Katherine), Audrey Hepburn looked impeccable in her Oscar ensemble.

At the 1967 Academy Awards, Audrey Hepburn wore a two piece ensemble designed by Gubert De Givenchy.

It consisted of a sparkling vest with white flower embellishments that allowed a peek at Audrey Hepburn's navel. A giant white bow tied at the vest that was decorative enough so Audrey could forego a necklace. The vest was accompanied by a long, floor grazing white skirt that was very slim in cut.

Image credit: Audrey at the Oscar's

Mid Week Inspirations & Wisdom, A Garden of Dreams

2010-06-23T11:20:00.000-07:00

"Let us dance in the sun, wearing wild flowers in our hair." Susan Polis Shutz

"To be overcome by the fragrance of flowers is a delectable form of defeat." Beverly Nichols

Image credits: 1.} The Home that Love Built, 2.} Last Days of Summer, 3.} Tattered Wings, 4.} Fields of Recollections, 5.} Haze (lost link), 6.} Nature's Garland, 7.} Lost in the Blooms, 8.} A Familiar Beauty, 9.} The Scent of Flowers Lingers

British Actress, Vivien Leigh Accepts Her Oscar for "Gone With the Wind"

2010-06-22T20:13:00.000-07:00

Her voice is so marvelous, isn't it? I do wish this footage was in color, I would so love to see the color of her beautiful vintage floral print gown!

The Most Beautiful Things: Vintage 1940s Apparel from the Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection

2010-06-19T17:46:00.000-07:00

Is it odd that my second thought after seeing these photos (my first being "Why can't I own all of these?!?) was "I wish these were all available in my shop!" The product photography is quite sumptuous too, I might need to take up the AV product photo quality to "museum worthy" *hehe* One can dream!

Vintage Pin-Up Heels & Ladylike Accessories from Aldens Catalog 1955

2010-06-18T08:41:00.000-07:00

Vintage peep toe slingbacks, so darn cute! I love the chic little details on these, especially the tiny bow on the back of the ankle. I'm simply dying over the navy blue slingbacks with the white dashed threading, can't you just see those being remade today?

All of these shoes are quite classic and if you can't hunt down the vintage pair, a quick pop over to Endless.com will probably result in a vintage inspired pair. I'm not quite sure about gloves, I've never cared much for them, although I still think they are quite appropriate for the opera. I do however, ADORE the white "double nylon" pair for $1.09 (save .40!) those are just so cute!

Image Credits: All scanned catalog images from Cemetarian -Alden Catalog 1955

Rumpled Preppy: Our Favorite Looks from Marni Resort 2010

2010-06-16T14:48:00.000-07:00

An oldie but a goodie (isn't it odd that resort 2010 collections are sooo last year? HAHA) Preppy classics never go out of style though, that's why they're classics! I'm especially loving the color palette of this collection: Midnight Navy, Coco Brown, Cafe Au Lait, and just a hint of Peony Pink.

Pre 1920s Fashion & Beauty Advertisements

2010-06-16T10:45:00.000-07:00

I cannot imagine having to wear a maternity corset! The thought of it seems so painful! I do love that in the advertisement the mother-to-be is sewing a little bonnet for her new baby, so sweet. I love the blouses from this era (early 20th century, 1900 to 1920) They were all so delicate and feminine and featured many details I look for in modern day blouses such as eyelet, broderie anglaise, petite pleats, scalloped lace... I've recently acquired an antique blouse but unfortunately it's much too small therefore will only look lovely as a display piece. *sigh* Oh well.

Image Credits:
1.} Maternity Corset, 2.} Corsets from the Sears Roebuck Catalog (c) 1908 , 3.} The Mother's Magazine (c) 1916, 4.} Pearline Ad (c) 1896, 5.} 1919 Dressmaking Lessons Advertisement, 6.} Good Housekeeping Vintage Ad for Talcum Powder (c) 1906, 7.} Coconut Shampoo Ad (c) 1919, 8.} Gordon Dye Hosiery (c) 1905

10 Iconic Vintage Movie Dresses

2010-06-10T09:17:00.000-07:00

In no particular order, and yes, we're slightly biased as we not only love the dresses featured in our "Top 10 Iconic Classic Movie Dresses", we're also fans of the movies they're in!

Well, the last one isn't quite a dress... however, who can't help but love Sandy's sexy all black ensemble?

Honorable Mentions:
Jessica Rabbit in "Who Framed Roger Rabbit"
Disney's Snow White
Glinda the Good Witch of the North

What I'm Wearing Today: "I Love History Channel"

2010-06-09T13:05:00.000-07:00

Well I've done it, I took the plunge (the cut)! So far I'm loving it, it's definitely shorter than I thought it would be, but luckily my hair grows lightning fast, so soon I'll have more to play around with.

Goodness, I feel like a different person all together! I feel taller too. I look quite tall in the photo next to Beatrice and Eloise, but that's just a trick of the camera *hehe*

I've also just started a LOOKBOOK.nu account. Although, I probably won't be updating it that often as work and being a wife and mom keeps me pretty busy, but I do save many inspirations of other girls who have amazing style, so feel free to take a look! { Rodellee's LookBook }

{WHAT I'M WEARING}
Bowtie: Vintage, Adorevintage.com
Lace Collar: Vintage, Antique shop in Orlando
Lace Dress: Marshall's
Cardigan: Vintage, Thrifted
Satchel: Vintage, SLOW L.A.
Socks: UO
Shoes: Thrifted, Aldo?

Landslagið er fallegt, Art inspired by Iceland's landscape by Tom Edwards

2010-06-09T09:36:00.000-07:00

The cut & paste look of these works are simply charming to me. I love the colors, the shapes, and the concept. It's a bit whimsical & very clean.

Credits: All images are from Tom Edwards, "Landscapes" series.

Preview of the Vintage Shop Updates: Pretty Little Frocks & Pretty Little Baubles

2010-06-07T18:18:00.000-07:00

Lovely vintage we're listing throughout the week! Click on the thumbnails to view the product images and more details! There are so many more pretty vintage wares that will be photographed this week, so be sure to visit the shop to see more previews!

BTW, have you noticed my newest doll? (And by doll, I mean dress form) She is a Vintage Wolf Dress Form, a vintage size 10 but has the measurements of a modern day size 2/4. An early birthday gift to yours truly from my honey bunches of oats. I spent nearly 3 months hunting for just the right one and we finally found her waiting patiently in an antique shop (next to a Victorian dress form!) I named her Beatrice. My other dress form, a modern day size 0/00, is named Eloise. Just some Adore Vintage FYI. *hehe*

Good Morning Monday! Images & Wisdom to Inspire Your Week

2010-06-07T07:46:00.000-07:00

“Let us not take ourselves too seriously. None of us has a monopoly on wisdom.” - Queen Elizabeth

Image credits: 1.} 269/365, 2.} Joe Pye Weed, 3.} the archives, 4.} Hedy, Judy, & Lana, 5.} dreamy desert, 6.} dreams of maps, 7.} lilies of the valley, 8.} Sewing the Butterflies, 9.} Think Pink!, 10.} 128

All images are saved in the Adore Vintage Flickr Faves, so feel free to browse more inspirations and to view more work by the amazing photographers featured here!

Mix + Match: Date Night on the Maltese Coast

2010-06-06T18:45:00.000-07:00

Dress: Teal Dream Dress, $42
Necklace: Malta Coast Necklace, $12
Shoes: Turks & Caicos Sandals, $32
Bag: Leaf Carvings Clutch, $32

{click on images to shop!}

Image credit: Vintage Malta postcard from Strider V

Summer in August: Fashion Illustrations & Patterns from the 1930s

2010-06-06T08:30:00.000-07:00

Vintage 1930s dresses and frocks made from silk crêpe fabrics in solid and dainty prints. I especially loved the shirtwaist dress with large sleeves (model 8388) and strangely enough I have those shoes (not from the 30s, but from Neiman Marcus clearance center!)

Image credits: Sue Tarr on Flickr, 1930's Fashion Set

Jason Wu Resort 2011, Could I Be Anymore in Love?

2010-06-05T20:12:00.000-07:00

Coco Chanel-esque straw boater hats, I simply adore it! I actually have a vintage straw hat which I plan to wear more often during the summer. There is something so very chic and French looking about all of these looks. If this is the future of mainstream fashion then I will take an extra double helping and go back for seconds! Je l'aime beaucoup!

Image credits: Style.com Jason Wu, Resort 2011 Collection

Vintage Hairstyle Inspirations: Cropped Pixie Hair

2010-06-05T13:47:00.000-07:00

There is something about a woman who has very short hair that makes me look twice. I feel like they are braver than me, more confident, more comfortable with who they are. I've been toying with the idea of cropping my hair pixie length for over a month now, so here's hoping these vintage pixie haircuts (and modern cropped hairstyles) will inspire me to chop off all my locks!

{ Vintage Hairstyles }

My main source of hair inspiration, Audrey Hepburn.

Jean Seberg

Mia Farrow

Twiggy

Edie Sedgwick

{ Modern Pixie Cuts }

Christy Turlington as Jean Seberg

From the Sartorialist? Or Garance Dore? *shrug*

Michelle Williams

Mia Wasikowska

Shannyn Sossamon & Carey Mulligan

Michelle Williams & Natalie Portman

Lily Elsie, the most photographed woman of Edwardian times...

2010-06-03T23:35:00.000-07:00

"Everyone agrees that Lily Elsie has the most kissable mouth in all England... she possesses the Cupid's bow outline with the ends curving upward delicately, all ready for smiles.... Strangely enough, the women of the land were among her most devoted admirers." - Lily Elsie Recalls her Renunciation", Atlanta Constitution, 21 November 1915 from Wikipedia

Edwardes took Elsie to Lucile for what might today be called a 'style makeover'. One of the first things they did was to make her alter the style of her hairdressing and after one or two experiments to see what suited her, evolved the fashion of coiling it neatly and flat to that beautifully shaped little head of hers. The result was a complete change in her appearance and Edwardes was as delighted with it as much as she was.

Although her fame and fortune came entirely from public appearances she was painfully shy. After just a few years on the stage she retired to a quite life away from the public eye.

Lily Elsie was an English actress and singer in the early 1900s. Her dresses, jewelry, and headpieces for her roles in plays such as "The Merry Widow" and "A Chinese Honeymoon" are so beautiful to me, I could even see some of the jewelry and hair accessories translated to modern day wear. Oh, so much loveliness!

Image Credits: Lily Elsie Set, LIFE Magazine

Somewhere Over the Rainbow, Rare Footage of Judy Garland singing for WWII Troops

2010-06-02T18:28:00.000-07:00

Judy Garland had one of my favorite singing voices, I loved even how she spoke. And you must remember, they were not able to digitally enhance singing voices back then. Absolute pure wonderful talent! I ♥ Judy Garland.

Carrie Bradshaw's Closet: Before & After

2010-06-01T22:46:00.000-07:00

And still so many, many amazing vintage beauties I spot! Without a doubt, Carrie Bradshaw's closet is the one I envy the most!

Image credits: Both pictures are from Belledame73's Flickr Set "Film & TV Inspirations"

Our Top 5 Vintage Stylish Gals of the Week

2010-06-01T14:21:00.000-07:00

Teal tights, fur collared coat, floral dress, and gorgeous braided red hair, need we say more?

The perfect mix of pretty, drama, and chic for a night at the Opera.

This lovely lass is our hero. Those stockings, the heels, the 1940s suit, and a terrificly fabulous chapeau!

Sweet and simple, the girl next door in the most adorable way.

Florals on florals? Of course, we'll take a second helping actually!

Image credits:
1.} The New Clothes Horse, 2.} Rebecca J. Brown, 3.} Abigail , 4.} What I Wore , 5.} Daily Fashion Boost

Tuesday Vintage Clothing Shop Update Preview

2010-05-31T18:45:00.000-07:00

From the 1920s to the 1970s... just a little bit of everything. Last week I also added plenty of vintage accessories, even a new section in the shop for "miscellaneous" small items such as bow ties, sunglasses, and peter pan collar attachments for your favorite cardis and sweaters!

{THE ADOREVINTAGE SHOP }

10 Image of Inspirations: I Believe in Fairy Tales

2010-05-29T17:19:00.000-07:00

Once upon a time...
in a land far away,
where the clouds never lift,
and the sun is never seen...

There lived a beautiful young princess.

Who escaped into the thick forest
to find adventure and love

Image Credits:
1.} Castle in the Mist 2.} And there the beauty laid 3.} Running, running 4.} The Woodlands Procession 5.} There he is... 6.} The sea maiden upon the castle steps 7.} Journey 8.} Taming of the beast 9.} The recollections of a wandering princess 10.} It was all just a rose petal dream

Vintage find of the day: Vintage Imperial Delta 127 Flash Camera

2010-05-25T19:21:00.000-07:00

HARD to find...an Imperial Delta Flash Camera STILL in the BOX...Perfect for that camera collector or to use for display. (How darling is this camera!?!)

Where to purchase: Juju Too
Price: $29.95

Just a day, an ordinary day in a vintage girl's world...

2010-05-21T11:29:00.000-07:00

"Let's face it, a nice creamy chocolate cake does a lot for a lot of people; it does for me." - Audrey Hepburn

"Don't fuss, dear; get on with it." - Audrey Hepburn

"I've always had a passion for the outdoors, for trees, for birds and flowers." - Audrey Hepburn

Shipping News!

2010-05-19T11:14:00.001-07:00

Announcing some slight changes to shipping procedures at Mystique Vintage Clothing. I'm always looking for ways to improve customer service and the quality of the shopping experience and aim to treat customers as I would like to be treated (one of the golden rules of commerce I believe, online - or anywhere).

Shipping is now included for all destinations located within Canada as well as the USA. A wink and a nod to the USPS for keeping First Class International rates quite affordable to the Canadian provinces, thank you :)
So whether you hail from Hawaii or Saskatchewan the price you see for at item at Mystique Vintage will include shipping charges.

International folks residing in destinations other than Canada will enjoy free shipping for amounts totaling up to $29.00, after that additional shipping rates will be calculated with the order automatically during the checkout process. See the complete pricing schedule HERE.

And don't forget to add yourself to the subscriber's list located on the home page, you'll be clued into new listings, and special sales!

Shipping News!

2010-05-19T11:14:00.000-07:00

Dreams of Paris, 10 Images of Inspiration

2010-05-18T13:18:00.000-07:00

Cream coloured coffee
And hot buttered toast
August sunshine
A packet of cigarettes
Talks on love and life
Friends and strangers all together

Days of summer
Seated on outside chairs
Tears and laughter
Mixed in the air
Of the perfect day just us and them

Cafe pavements
The world at view
Paris, Rome and cafe Prague
Used coffee cups
And ashtrays too
Paris, Rome and cafe Prague
- Cafe Prague by Patrick Sant

Image Credits: All images were found via Polyvore/Tumblr. Most of the links lead to the tumblr dashboard, so I couldn't give proper credit. Next time my sweets ♥

Lovely & Whimsical Vintage Girls by Caitlin Shearer

2010-05-16T14:00:00.000-07:00

I first spotted Caitlin Shearer's artwork via the Swedish magazine "Magnificent" (MagMag #3) and was instantly smitten by her soft and willowy vintage girls. Her pretty little ladies wear such pretty little things. I'm in love, love I tell you!

Image credits: All images are from Caitlin's blog and more of her artwork can be viewed on her Flickr.

Vintage Clothing Shop Updates: A Study in Feminine Formality

2010-05-13T18:37:00.000-07:00

This week in the vintage shop: 1940s & 1950s Lucite Purses, a romantic cream chiffon formal gown, classic and feminine floral blouses, and pretty finishing touches.

The Photography of Yuli Sato: Sisters

2010-05-13T10:45:00.000-07:00

A bit haunting, a little melancholy, and most definitely pretty. You can view the rest of the photos at { Yuli Sato }

What I Would Wear Today: Polka Dot Chiffon Blouse & Khaki High Waist Shorts

2010-05-10T22:00:00.000-07:00

I found two super cute vintage khaki shorts today and both are high waisted! I am so excited to wear them for summer. I also found a lot of pretty cream and white blouses, not all vintage though, but will get plenty of wear over the next few years. I thought about it today and realized my wardrobe is about 80% recycled or vintage. YAY me! My goal is to wear 100% recycled clothing or vintage. But darn those Anthropologie sales.

BTW, a little nerdy FYI, did you know an estimated 12.4 MILLION TONS of textiles were generated in 2008? HOLY COW. If everyone cut back on buying NEW clothing and purchased vintage or secondhand, that number would dwindle significantly!

UM... and also 2,000 POUNDS = 1 TON. AHhh, the waste we generate is just baffling!

Vintage Clothing Shop Updates: 1950s & 1960s Dresses, Tapestry Clutches, and Filigree Rings

2010-05-10T18:36:00.000-07:00

Lots of lovely new vintage in le vintage shoppe. Thank you for visiting lovelies!

Pretty Little Things: The most darling lingerie you ever did see from Naomilingerie

2010-05-10T12:43:00.000-07:00

Every lady deserves pretty little things for her boudoir. Naomi Lingerie is based out of Japan and all of the undergarments are handmade. I especially love the super cute "kitty" sleep masks. You can view her { vintage lingerie collection } to see where some of her design inspirations come from.

"There are certainly not so many men
of large fortune in the world,
as there are pretty women
to deserve them."
- Jane Austen

Where to purchase: Naomi Lingerie (etsy). All images are from the lovely Naomi Lingerie. (She also does custom work!)

Vintage Room Envy: Mid-Century Modern & Painted Women Gallery

2010-05-10T08:46:00.000-07:00

I love the clean lines of Mid-Century furniture and the dark wood grains. I think when it comes to interior design I'm caught between the 1950s modern house and the 19th Century French countryside château where everything is in varying shades of cream, eggshell, and antique white. I couldn't picture our house being decked out in so much mid-century furniture and decor as the one pictured here, but there are many enviable elements. The painted portraits (I love those but can never bring myself to buy one...), that beautiful credrenza, and the yellow Herman Miller-esque rocking chair.

Sourced from: www.imgspark.com/image/view/all/444166/

Picturing the Past, Vintage Photographs of Our Mothers

2010-05-09T09:00:00.000-07:00

Before they were our mothers, they were young women who wore their hearts on their sleeves, giggled and gossiped with their girlfriends, and had lovely romantic adventures before the grandest adventure of all (motherhood!) All the vintage photographs below were scanned by either a son or daughter or a grandson or granddaughter. I've added the photo caption as well, I always love the story behind the photograph.

"Summer 1928 in Aalborg, Denmark: My mother (at left) and two of her girlfriends, dressed for 'The roaring twenties'"

Dad & Mom in Morocco, 1954: This was shortly after they met. My dad was stationed in Morocco with the Air Force. My mom was visiting her sister whose husband was also stationed there. Within six weeks, my parents were engaged.

Truth, Lies and Betrayal: This is a shot of my mother and Fred on one of their first dates in 1939. It was taken on the porch of my mom's home in Verdun, Montreal Canada. Fred became mom's first husband, father to my oldest brother and a life-long friend to me. They were together from the time she was 17 in 1939, married in 1945, until she left him shortly after my oldest brother was born in 1950.

Shanghai, Mom on date with Dad, 1947-48: Military issue blanket that is in so many of these pictures my father took of her

What a lovely group of friends! There were not any captions for the pictures unfortunately.

Vintage polaroid, Mom & Dad, 1968: An old vintage polaroid of my mom and dad looking at another polaroid.

Vintage, Pregnant Mom 1968: I'm in my mom's belly here as she stands under the shade of a tree in my grandma's backyard.

Happy Mother's Day to all Mothers, Grandmothers, Mothers-To-Be and last (but certainly not least!) the Stepmothers!!

Image credits: 1.} fredesorensen, 2.} marydenise6, 3.} musicmuse_ca, 4.} Spysgrandson, 5.} & 6.} Photo CH, 7.} & 8.} Freeparking

Lovely Find of the Day: Bird Hoop Art from PragyaK

2010-05-09T07:15:00.000-07:00

Whimsical collection of three one of a kind art hoops with bird motif. Made using paper strips, thread and white 100% cotton fabric stretched on a wooden embroidery hoop. Wouldn't these look lovely in the kitchen or perhaps to brighten a child's room or a little nook?

Purchase at: PragyaK on Etsy. Image credits via artist's flickr.

Zooey Deschanel wears pearl necklaces with a checkered dress

2010-05-08T23:54:00.000-07:00

"I love you, not only for what you are, But for what I am when I am with you."

This Week's "Top Vintage Gal" from the "She Wears Vintage" Flickr Group

2010-05-08T18:58:00.000-07:00

I can't deny my love for pretty floral prints and muted tones. And, let's not leave out a vintage satchel, an absolute necessity for one that wants to achieve granny chic. But this is cute granny chic, what shall we label this style? It's a mix of youthful and girly but kind of granny too. But can granny and youth be in the same sentence (aside from the one I just wrote, HAHA, clever me!)
Image credits: She Wears Vintage Flickr group (Add your own style!) Check out Kiko Tomato's photostream for more darling looks!

Pretty Tomboy Styles from { lis khros }

2010-05-07T16:56:00.000-07:00

Ooo... not a floral print in sight!

All images from Japan brand { lis khros } Spring 2010 collection.

10 Images of Inspiration: A Rose By Any Other Name

2010-05-06T21:04:00.000-07:00

What could be more sweet, more romantic, than that of a rose? In honor of the upcoming holiday (Mother's Day...) I am posting images with roses as the central theme. So why roses? Why not peonies or lilies? Well... roses are my mother's favorite flowers, it was my grandmother's middle name (Rita Rose), and roses are my birth month flowers (I'm a Mom myself). So, hoorah for roses! ^_^

Image Credits:
1.} Rose Couture, 2.} Tulle & Roses, 3.} Emily Blunt in Paris, 4.} Still life of a rose, 5.} Dark Roses, 6.} Rose Petals Fade, 7.} Rose Tea, 8.} Your life it seems extravagant, 9.} The Rose Path, 10.} My darling Rose

Mother's Day Contest: "Oh, Mother Dear!" Enter to Win!

2010-05-06T14:56:00.000-07:00

TO ENTER:

1.] FOLLOW Adorevintage.com on Twitter!

2.] @ reply us a photo of your Mom or a picture of you and your Mom, don't forget to TAG us! (#adorevintagecom)

3.] We'll pick a winner on Monday! VISIT the blog to see who won!

Winner receives the adorable limited edition "LEE LEE BOW CUFF" from Adorevintage!

Vintage Shop Updates: Pretty pleats, pretty stripes, pretty beads

2010-05-03T18:35:00.000-07:00

The Vintage Shop has been updated with pretty little blouses, a chevron striped skirt from the 1940s, pretty little heels to finish off your outfits, and more!

Tomorrow I have a big shoot planned for more vintage dresses (mostly 50s and 60s), skirts (mostly 60s and 70s), and beaded handbags (from the 30s, 40s, and 50s!)

I think I've come down with some sort of bug. AUGH. I hate not feeling chipper and healthy, don't you?

Je t'aime: Vintage illustrations from the 1940s and 1950s Depicting Amour

2010-04-30T15:50:00.000-07:00

I simply adore vintage illustrations depicting love and happy couples (in advertisements mostly). They are a little cheesy, but so very romantic. Don't deny it, you know you've fantasized about being swept off your feet (wearing a gorgeous vintage dress, of course!) and being kissed as if you were in a TCM movie.

A snippet from the poem "Camomile Tea"
"We might be fifty, we might be five,
So snug, so compact, so wise are we!
Under the kitchen-table leg
My knee is pressing against his knee."
- Katherine Mansfield

Vintage Room Envy: Hot Pink, Crystal Chandeliers, & Vintage Perfume Bottles

2010-04-30T11:07:00.000-07:00

I am so in love, absolutely head over heels with this ultra feminine bathroom! I am definitely taking a cue for my own rather chintzy 1920s bathroom. I love that this has a lot of va-va-voom but all the lines are very clean, very simple. That is a great mix. Start off with clean simple lines and add the high glamour with vintage bottles, crystal chandeliers, and anything floral and sparkly.
Image credit: 1st Option

The "Oh So Pretty!" Blouse Post

2010-04-27T09:44:00.000-07:00

Silk georgette, floral printed chiffons, lace and flounce... I adore it all! I especially love the blouses with ruffled peplums, so sweet! If you are looking for vintage inspired blouses in modern day shops be sure to look for dainty details such as tiny buttons, pintucks, panels of lace details and pleated ruffles (very Victorian).
Shopping Links
(some of these are no longer available)
1.} Isabel Marant Blue Silk Lurex Blouse, FarFetch.com
2.} Marc by Marc Jacobs Cotton Top, Net-A-Porter
3.} D&G Silk Floral Blouse, Jades24.com
4.} Cream Floral Corset Top, Debenhams (UK)
5.} Printed silk-georgette blouse, Net-A-Porter
6.} Ylang Ylang, Mirabella.jp
7.} Erich Cotton Printed Blouse, My Theresa
8.} Black Floral Camisole, Topshop
9.} Cream Lace Embroidered Tunic, Peacocks (UK)

10 Images of Inspiration: By the Sea By the Beautiful Sea

2010-04-24T13:52:00.000-07:00

The ocean said to me once,
"Look!
Yonder on the shore
Is a woman, weeping.
I have watched her.
Go you and tell her this --
Her lover I have laid
In cool green hall.
There is wealth of golden sand
And pillars, coral-red;
Two white fish stand guard at his bier.

"Tell her this
And more --
That the king of the seas
Weeps too, old, helpless man.
The bustling fates
Heap his hands with corpses
Until he stands like a child
With a surplus of toys."
- Stephen Crane

Image credits: 1.} Natalia by the Sea, 2.} Paper Boats, 3.} Yulia, 4.} Tumblr via We♥It, 5.} Ppppapertissue, 6.} Lauren Rose, 7.} I wonder where you are, 8.} Mah Mah, 9.} We♥It, 10.} Le Love

Flea Market Homes: 10 Pretty & Eclectic Interiors to Inspire

2010-04-18T19:28:00.000-07:00

There is something so cozy and welcoming about homes that have a mix of antique and new. The interiors featured here all have bits and pieces you could easily find at your local flea market or swap meet. Look for vintage linens such as floral curtains and table clothes, hand painted bowls, vintage tin cans or wire baskets for storage, and needlepoint pillowcases and ornate framed paintings. Just remember to buy what you love and what catches you eye, because as I've found, when you purchase items you cherish, it all comes together in the end.

Image credits: All images are from Sweet Home Style with proper link backs to their original sources.

Vintage Trend Inspiration: 1970s BIBA Bohemian Florals, Laced Up Boots, and Bejeweled Velvet

2010-04-17T15:08:00.000-07:00

A bohemian and hippie outfit ensemble inspired by the 1970s label BIBA. I'm really quite enjoying putting these little ensembles together on Polyvore. Now if only I were able to afford all of these beautiful things. *hehe*

The shopping list for this outfit is at Bohemian Tea Party set on Polyvore.

10 Vintage Sewing Patterns from the 1940s & 1950s by Simplicity

2010-04-17T13:27:00.000-07:00

One way to date vintage clothing is to peruse old vintage sewing patterns. You can find many of them on sites such as Flickr or search for them on Etsy. You will have a better understanding of what real women wore in comparison to what the Hollywood starlets wore. You can also find out what the trends were for that year. So if you're trying to learn more about dating vintage clothes, be sure to research vintage patterns!

Simplicity vintage sewing patterns are the most helpful in my opinion only because each envelope was stamped with a date! I mostly view Simplicity patterns to get a better date range for a vintage dress or blouse.

Descriptions: 1.} Rockabilly Vintage Blouse Pattern circa 1957 2.} 1940s Skirt Pattern 3.} Vintage Teen Dress Sewing Pattern circa 1949 4.} Low Back Blouse circa 1954 5.} 1950s Sundress Bolero Playsuit 6.} 1953 V Neck Summer Dress Sewing Pattern 7.} Vintage Blouse Patter circa 1947 8.} Cocktail Dress Vintage Pattern circa 1956 9.} 1954 Vintage Skirt & Petticoat 10.} 1940s Pinup Front Knotted Midriff Top With Shorts & Skirt

Image credits: All patterns are from Flickr from the Vintage Patterns group

A Vintage Photograhp of Marilyn Monroe & A Quote to Live By

2010-04-16T21:38:00.000-07:00

“I do the very best I know how, the very best I can, and I mean to keep on doing so until the end” - Abraham Lincoln

One of my favorite photos of Marilyn Monroe, she looks so very happy here, so innocent and carefree.

Celebrating Spring

2010-04-15T07:42:00.001-07:00

by adding some new selections to the collection at Mystique Vintage....

Romantic Dresses From All Eras

Cute Tops For Any Occasion

Fun Flirty Skirts

Hats,Hats,Hats

And Bags,Bags,Bags

Vintage Sewing Patterns

(for the creative of heart and soul and nimble of body and mind).

So do drop by and have a peek, you may spy your next a - picnicing outfit!

Celebrating Spring

2010-04-15T07:42:00.000-07:00

Stole My Heart by Little & Ashley, also the Kindle Commercial Song

2010-04-15T00:31:00.000-07:00

I love this song so very much and also quite like the stop motion commercial, wish I could be in this commercial! Wouldn't it be great if they did a type of stop motion commercial with an Audrey Hepburn theme? *hehe*

Adorevintage Site Changes, New "FAQ" updates!

2010-04-14T11:47:00.000-07:00

The last two days I spent revamping the F.A.Q. section so that it was easier to navigate and information was more accessible. I removed a lot of the "site embellishments" so it was straight to the point but also looked pretty.

I also changed the link colors and the banner colors to this pretty peachy/orange color (picked from the Vargas girl illustration). I'm hoping it's just as pretty on other people's monitors as it is on mine. *hehe* It would be awful if it looked lovely on my screen but horrendously orange on other peoples' screens!

It took awhile, I had to redesign new banners, new graphics, and create all the new pages and change the stylesheets. *phew* But it was worth it! I love the Adorevintage.com F.A.Q. section, it's so clean!

Vintage Trend Inspiration: Pretty Ginghams, Summer Straw Bags, & Country Florals

2010-04-12T09:41:00.000-07:00

Summer! Summer! I love pretty floral dresses and sweet gingham prints for the summertime! I've always had this idyllic picture of visiting a local farm, picking fresh produce to cook at home, all the while wearing a cute gingham dress, perhaps a vintage cardigan with floral embellishments, and a kerchief or bandana. One can dream, no?

You can view the "shopping list" of this ensemble at my Polyvore page. A Country Story by AdoreVintage.

Vintage Vogue Magazine Fashion Editorial "The Late Romantics" (c) 1967

2010-04-12T09:01:00.000-07:00

Vintage polyster nightdress by Van Raalte described as "Stripes streaking across crepe, a streamered bow down a bare back, a pointed fall to the ground"

Lightning-green tricot side-slashed to the waist by Beau Sure.

Vintage Empire nightdress from Emilio Pucci described as "Pink, white, yellow, and rose on a great gale of nylon - from a tiny arched bodice"

Drifting out of a Bronte night, a brown-voile dream sashed in yellow velvet, - daisy-sprinkled white. Vintage Arthur Williams for Siren made of Cotton and Dacron.

Photographed by: Helmut Newton
Magazine scan credits: Vintage Fashion Magazines, re-uploaded on Adore Vintage (flickr)

Vintage Clothing & Fashion in the Movies: "The Women" by George Cukor 1939

2010-04-10T18:56:00.000-07:00

Fabulous vintage clothes, don't you think? Some of the costumes are so outlandish in the best sort of way! The "eyes" sweater for example... it's so interesting, I could easily see this being snapped up in a heart beat at a vintage shop.

Image screencap credits: Live Journal via Film Stills

Vintage Prom Dress Advertisement in Seventeen Magazine circa 1961, "I Could Have Danced All Night"

2010-04-10T08:37:00.000-07:00

This vintage prom dress is gorgeous! Can you imagine wearing all of those precious blue ruffles? I would have to hire someone to walk in front of me all evening carrying a sign "Make way! Make way for the dress!"

I actually really love the pale pink dress the model on the right is wearing. I would wear that on a daily basis though, just to grab lunch with a friend or date night with the hubby.

Do you spot the prices? It seems quite cheap at first, but if you refer back to my { Prices of Vintage Clothing if Bought Today } post, you'll notice these vintage prom dresses were actually quite pricey even back then.

Image credit: Flickr

Vintage Clothing Shop Preview: 1950s Dresses & Vintage Handbags

2010-04-09T19:31:00.000-07:00

Vintage 1950s dresses, very "Mad Men" style, don't you think? I love the bright happy colors and pretty prints. Especially the pink dress, it's such a graphic and modern print yet still very prim and proper and girlie.

I will be adding these in the { vintage shop } over the weekend along with a few other vintage dresses and jewelry pieces I haven't photographed yet.

Project Runway Design Challenge: Circus Inspired Style, My Own Take

2010-04-09T13:47:00.000-07:00

While watching Project Runway I was inspired to draw up my own "circus" dress. Too bad I can't sew :( and I couldn't quite draw the "petals" right, they look like eggs. LOL. But they're suppose to be large floaty chiffon petals!

I do wish I could sew though, other than the simple adding buttons and simple hemming I'm pretty clueless with a sewing machine. I would have the loveliest clothes if only I could sew!

The inspiration is from what tight rope walkers or those aerial dancers would wear in the good old circus days. I would wear this to a birthday party. And the floral ribbons on the shoulders are detachable in case you don't want to look too "fairy" like. (But I like fairies... so I would definitely wear these)

10 Vintage Photographs from the 1930s and Earlier

2010-04-09T08:42:00.000-07:00

"I existed, we existed. I had a story to tell." I always think of this when I view old photos and look upon the faded faces in the photographs. It always makes me a little melancholy, like when you have to go to the airport knowing your vacation must come to an end. You're kind of happy because of the memories but kind of sad too because it's over.

Image credits: 1.} Le Biciclette, 2.} Frankling Park, 1912, 3.} Woman in a Rowboat, 4.} Allison in the Teens, 5.} Jersey Shore in the 1920s, 6.} Jolis Femmes, 7.} Playing with Water, 8.} Victorian Cycling, 9.} What Story Does This Tell?, 10.} Delivering the News in 1896

Behind the Scenes: Packaging Orders for AV

2010-04-07T13:48:00.000-07:00

When I package orders this is what my dining room table turns into. A mess, I know. I need to come up with a "conveyor belt" way to package orders, it always seems so haphazard and most of the time I'm hunting down tape or the scissors or string. Any advice?

P.S. - See my new polka dot paper? I adore it so much! Can you tell I love polka dots? It's on my business cards too!