All Dolled Up

This past weekend while shopping vintage at my favorite thrift shop, in Michigan, I found these little darlings. They are kind of creepy but also charming, familiar, and a wee bit sweet.

©Lesley Williams, 2009

Dig It?

If you heart thrift stores, consignment shops, and/or pulling items from friend's closets, check out Dig N' Swap. Dig N' Swap was created as a solution to ever expanding wardrobes and the need to be kinder to our environment.

Could trading be the new currency? Give it a try.

From www.dignswap.com

It's in the Cards :: part 2

I hate to play favorites, but here are a few more cards that I really like from my vintage playing card collection. These cards are fun even when they are not being used for games. I am curious to know:

1. What things do you like to collect? Why?
2. What are the unconventional places or items that you find inspirational?
   

You can find more vintage playing cards on the HEYSUSY blog, check em' out!

It's in the Cards :: part 1

It was hard to resist this random collection of vintage playing cards. There's something really magical about these patterns.

I'll scan and post a few more soon.

Capering About

My next sewing project. Wish me well!
I'll post images soon.

Fashion Week :: PROJECT BLACKOUT

Yes, I know, Fashion Week ended on Friday but I have a few more stories to posts. So, bear with me please.

I walked up to Randal to get a closer look at his stunning ocean blue specs, and walked away a part of a movement. Project Blackout is an effort focused on promoting and expanding the representation of people of color in the fashion industry. Throughout the week I observed both the need and the readiness for this change. I am excited to see what the future holds and ready to be a part of the progress.

Love the look!

Thanks for the bag; I've been toting it around.

Fashion Week :: BABY PHAT

I enjoyed the fall 2009 Baby Phat collection more than I thought I would. The pieces had a vintage flair bringing a soft finish to their edginess. The use of embellishment was superb--great appliqué placement on the jeans.

Gotham Hall was full. I watched with friends, from a screen, in the Balcony. Here is one of my favorite looks:

I may own my first Baby Phat jeans this fall, if I can get my hands on these!

Kimora with Ming Lee and Aoki Lee

Backstage after the show, in the "fab lane"!

Emmy award winning costume designer, stylist, and designer Patricia Field

models on the red carpet

Born Again Vintage

Here are details about an eco-friendly fashion event happening Thursday evening:

Got Green? A Sustainable Style Event
Thursday, January 15th, 2009 from 7pm-10pm at EDGE nyNOHO

Trunk Show featuring J.B. BORN Vintage Fashion and B. Artis Originals Recycled Fashions. Book Signing for the newly launched book BORN AGAIN VINTAGE: 25 Ways to Deconstruct, Reinvent, and Recycle Your Wardrobe from author Bridgett Artise. Bring a gently worn business attire outfit for Dress for Success and get a free gift.

RSVP gotgreen@prnoir.com.

(click to enlarge)

This looks like fun! Let me know if you're thinking of going...

Below the Belt

My mom and I came across this Simplicity pattern while thrift shopping. We stopped and locked eyes -- we both wanted to buy it. Our compromise? I'll trace it and then mail it to her. This way we both win.


I'll be sure to post pictures of the final product. Which view should I make, belt 1 or 2?

Butcher Apron for a Cookie

A friend of mine just moved into a new house and has no free time for sewing, so she let me borrow several vintage patterns from the 70s, hooray! This one made me pull out my scissors the fastest-- a butcher apron, how cute.
I made views B & C. They are adorable and comfy...I think I created something great! I'll be sure to share photos when I wear them.

80s Recollections

I can still remember this childhood moment. It was Easter and my mother was up all night making me this coat, hat, and a white eyelet dress. Before church we hurried off to have a photo shoot.

This is one of many treasured childhood memories because it says a lot about the woman I am now. I am still a huge fan of coats, tights, and [single-strapped] Mary Janes. And soon I’ll be able to sew a coat!

Check out the white maxi piping—my mom has skills!

Just Jean

Over the weekend I watched Breathless a 1960s French new wave film directed by Jean-Luc Godard (thank you Netflix). I discovered more about the style that is synonymous with that decade. The chic daring look of Jean Seberg activated my inner 60s child and made me think two words the whole film—stunning haircut.

If you’ve seen it I’d love to know your thoughts. If you have not, two more words, rent it.


"I don't know if I'm unhappy because I'm not free, or if I'm not free because I'm unhappy" -As Patricia Franchini in Breathless

First hand, Second hand

Last week while in the Bay Area I was thrilled to learn that there were amazing botiques, thrift stores, and Goodwills to shop for vintage items. I even went to a rummage sale! With a coffee cup in hand and my sweetheart at my side, I was one happy girl.

Here are a few photos from, Berkley and The Mission District in San Francisco, my favorite places to shop:

kamau ware (c), 2008

Incase you've ever wondered the difference between antique, vintage, and retro, here’s the definition according to Wikipedia:

Clothing which was produced before the 1920s is referred to as antique clothing and clothing from the 1920s to 1980 is considered vintage. Retro, short for retrospective, usually refers to clothing that dates from the period 1965 to 1985. Clothing produced more recently is usually called modern or contemporary fashion.

More about happy times and California inspirations to come…