How to get a Job in the 1930s

Lifebouy Soap, 1930s. originally uploaded by Gatochy

If only it were that easy today! Get rid of that BO and you're hired :)

How to Tie a Scarf

Came across a manual from the 80s (clearly depicted by the hairstyles!) about how to tie scarves. Thought I would share the tutorial with my readers since vintage scarves area an abundant commodity; easy to find, inexpensive and add a superior PUNCH to a neutral ensemble.

Hope you find these ideas useful and inspiring! Happy scarf hunting.... 

Circa Vintage has LOTS by the way :)

Fakes, Good Taste, No Money

Apparently, the woman here is a "fake beatnik in fake fabrics."

Today's translation: A thrifty vegan (wannabe?) hipster. Right? 

sounds almost like me!

Paging through a Cosmopolitan Magazine from February 1960 this editorial on thrifty shopping grabbed my attention; "Fakes, Good Taste, No Money." It profiles fashion photographer Erwin Blumenfeld as he assists a young woman shop for an entire outfit for under $20. (with inflation that's over $150! *)

He gives the following tips on scoring the best deals at "basement" shops. Verbatim.

Cosmopolitan, Feb. 1960 Lyn Tornabene

You wouldn't want your mother giving you bum steers, now would you? wink.

Below are some direct excerpts from this editorial.

  (Left) $8. Plaid Corduroy suit for "shopping, social work, or getting the bosses job" is a composite of Blumenfeld's fashion philosophies: "Underaccessorize rather than overdo matters; one wrong jewel can destroy all elegance. Don't try to match too much. And wear a hat only if you want to look like an executive."

(Right) $6 This nylon chiffon is from the "Specials" rack of a chain store. "This is a sensational gown," says Blumenfeld. "It looks like one hundred dollars worth of dress."Jewelry cost $2.50; gloves $4.

Sure is Mr. Blumenfeld.

Isn't this fun? I adore the ironies and similarities of these rules- and even vocabulary- to today. 

* I found a really fun website for those who are interested in economics (ha!) No really, to calculate the worth of a dollar in any year compared to what it is today. Go to:

www.usinflationcalculator.com

It's incredible to know that is cost just $1,500 to buy a Ford Thunderbird in 1955. Adjusted for inflation that's $12,685. 

Can I have a time machine, please?

An Earring's Second Life

It is inevitable that at some point, you will loose one of those earrings. Probably your favorite pair from Granny Myrt. Shakin' it on the dance floor- unbeknownst to you until the next morning, and you grudgingly stow the lonely singleton in your jewelry box, sad never to see the light of day again. Wait! There is hope.

 ... Here are a few singles I have come across at the shop ...

 If you clip the earring over the chain of your choice... Viola! Instant pendant.

 Pair a chunky cluster glass earring with a bulky glass bead necklace.

Bridal or formal styles.

Don't let your singletons go to waste. Re-purpose without "re-purposing." 

Cameo

A Cameo is a carving fashioned out of a single material showing a detailed image in relief, typically applied to a piece of jewelry.  Cameos are fascinating because in antiquities, you would be able to identify the era a piece is from by the style of the figure depicted. For example; In a Roman Cameo, very primitive dress and the long, straight nose is reflected.  More commonly seen in the Victorian era, Ladies are shown wearing hats and she would be wearing a dress with a high lace collar adorned with floral motifs. 

Cameos have been around since the Roman Empire 25 BC, carved from glass. Though there are only 200 known artifacts from this period. They were highly coveted by Royals in almost every historic period but really made a revival during the Renaissance era, 1300- 1500.  Mediums used then were agates, semi-precious stone and onyx.  This is when the shell Cameo came into play, which is widely seen in Modern applications. Traditionally, Cameos had incredible artistic detail but as Cameos became widely popular by commoners during the mid- 1800s, increasing the demand, some quality craftsmanship was lost.  Celluloid is an early plastic that popular early 20th Century creations were made.  

By the end of the 1920s, Cameos were no longer in vogue.  Jewelry began edging toward the angular, geometry of the Art Deco period.  Cameos enjoyed a small rise in popularity in the 1950s and again in the 1970s.  Chances are, most of the vintage Cameos you've come across are from the 1970s.  During this time, it was all reproduced. We saw landscapes, Victorian-esque figures, Greek mythology and Renaissance motifs and Romans.  Cameos  were still carved from glass and shell. Avon and Jewelry houses like Sarah Coventry often produced them in plastic but with great detail.

Shopping for Vintage

Shopping for vintage can be the modern fashionista's most gratifying, thrilling, exciting and satisfying experience. On the other hand, it can be the most overwhelming, time-intensive sometimes frustrating shopping trips! It is a labor of love. The best way to go about it is to have a plan; get into a state of mind. Don't approach a vintage store with the idea of shopping a department store- you will fail.

Evaluate Your Closet
Before setting out, take a good look at what you already own so-far-as modern pieces. Take a mental snapshot. Then think about your look; style is a lot about conveying your personality. Who are you projecting to others? What is your career/ profession? How do you feel when you wear certain things?

Then, get inspiration. Fashion mavens like Rachel Zoe and Rachel Bilson are big into combining vintage with modern. Polyvore is a fun website to customize looks. Vogue magazine is a tremendous resource if you're well versed at interpreting styles. 

Here is a list of my favorite things to shop for: (for the novices!)

• Skirts (pencil, circle styles are always easy to find, easy to fit and mix well with a new top)
• Handbags. Endless options.
• A really great necklace 
• Scarves! You can do so much with these, they always come in amazing patterns and are inexpensive.

Design a Circuit
Research vintage shops in your area and set aside an afternoon to hit a few up. The worst mistake when vintage shopping is to be short on time. You will never find the same item in each shop and each store has a different way of merchandising.  Get to know your favorites, and go often. Inventory is always changing and really amazing finds go fast. Shop as an experience, not a mission!

Open Your Mind
If you are looking for a specific item, chances are you'll get frustrated trying to find it. Keep an open mind.  If you're just getting used to the idea of wearing vintage, start with an accessory. Follow your taste; don't buy anything too trendy or it will just end up in the back of your closet.

If you spot a really great dress one size up or down but you're in love- buy it! A tailor can be your best friend and chances are you won't come across it again.  Remember, vintage pieces are pre-loved. A fantastic cashmere sweater missing a button? Re-vamp it and put all new, or better yet- vintage- buttons on it.

Talk to the Staff
Don't hesitate to ask questions about the garment's history or fabrication. ask for suggestions on what to wear it with. Many times, the person working there is in the business because they are passionate about clothes and eager to share their knowledge.  Examine things closely for loose seams, mold, moth holes, stains and tears.

Understand the Retail Market
Clothing is just not made today like it was even 40 years ago.   Knowing what you will pay at a department store for a dress of the same (or lesser) quality will make you not even think twice about dropping $85 on a vintage stunner. An added bonus is that you can be sure not to run into a woman wearing the same dress- gasp!

Truth is, fashion design has changed dramatically.  Quality fabrics have become scarce, or it is not appreciated as much in the mass market today . Trends turn over quickly, so there may not be as much value in using quality fabric and craftsmanship.  The kind of tailoring, fabrication and attention to detail seen in vintage can still be found today- but expect to pay a pretty penny.

These vintage Gucci boots scored for $99 at Circa Vintage!

 Bottom line: To customize your look, add a touch of the old world to your already fabulous wardrobe. You will have fun, it will be a hobby, you won't spend as much as department-or big box stores, and expect to be admired. The complements will roll, in which you can proudly say; "It's a vintage piece." Knowing there likely are few of the same.  You have something genuinely unique- which no one can run out to Anthropologie to score the same. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Fashions fade, style is eternal." -YSL

Mr. Saint Laurent, 1969

" Fashions fade, style is enternal. "

-Yves Saint Laurent