The Vintage Edition
I’m delighted to announce that you can now find The Vintage Edition of The Fashion Birdcage. Just click on the picture and you’ll find my interview with Amy Mayberry of Viva Vintage Clothing. There’s also a whole section dedicated to genuine vintage clothing and accessories and read my article entitled ‘Learning to be a Vintage Clothing Connoisseur‘.
I really hope you enjoy the read.
Spread the love for vintage!
Photograph courtesy of Listit Cafe.
One of my proudest moments was being accepted as a trade member of the Vintage Fashion Guild (VFG). For anyone that doesn’t know about the VFG, it’s an international organisation set up in 2002 for vintage fashion professionals with members in America, Canada, Australia and the UK. Just to quote directly from the website, their mission is to:
1. Protect the interests of vintage fashion vendors and encourage professional practices.
2. Promote, establish, and encourage among our members ethical behaviour and professional standards of expertise about vintage fashion, in order to reinforce the buyers’ and collectors’ confidence that the age, style, details and condition of the items are accurately represented.
3. Raise awareness of vintage fashion and provide a forum to bring together buyers and sellers.
4. Establish a central educational resource available to both buyers and sellers.
5. Create a positive environment for and enhance the image of vintage clothing.
6. Encourage the conservation and wearing of vintage fashion to preserve the history, availability and survival of vintage clothing in future years. The VFG discourages the habitual practice of modifying or altering existing vintage to suit the current trend.
7. Position vintage clothing as a viable, attractive and environmentally-friendly alternative to conventional fashion.
Please visit the Vintage Fashion Guild website to find out more.
Just to ‘wet your appetite‘, here’s a small selection of vintage merchandise currently available from my learned friends at the VFG. You’ll find links to each item at the end of this piece.
1. 1940's Rhinestone Dress Clips (Bonton Vintage), 2. Vogue Pattern Book (Pinky-a-GoGo), 3. 1940's Ceramic Earrings (The Spectrum)
4. 1970's Clutch Purse (Viva Vintage Clothing), 5. 1950's ONS Paisley Sheath Dress (Shygarden), 6. 1950's Lowy & Mund Clutch and Coin Purse (BC Treasure Trove)
7. 50's Taffeta Dress (Vintage Devotion), 8. 70's Grey Suede Mules (Vintage Chic Spa Boutique), 9. 70's Peacock Blue Jacket (Morning Glorious)
10. 80's Puff Sleeve Party Frock (Catwalk Creative Vintage), 11. 1950's Opalescent Sweater (Vintage Devotion), 12. 1950's Party Dress (Mags Rags)
I implore anyone with an interest in the history of fashion to take a look at the Vintage Fashion Guild website. There’s so much available, from the wonderful Label Resource department to the History of Women’s Hats. Click on the VFG Members logo link (top right-hand corner) to find more. But beware! You could be there for some time!
Click on the links below to get your vintage fashion fix!
1. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=34288045
2. http://cgi.ebay.com/Vintage-Vogue-Pattern-Book-1948-1949-Peplum-Suit-Dress_W0QQitemZ120491172604
3. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=34192269
4. http://www.vivavintageclothing.com/blacksnakeskin1970sclutchpurse/#3
5. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=290369261523
6. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=34163705
7. http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/FULL-SKIRT-LUCY-Vintage-50s-TAFFETA-HOLIDAY-DRESS-L_W0QQitemZ300365550390
8. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=34059563
9. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27556819
10. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=34199608
11. http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/RHINESTONES-OPALESCENT-CABACHONS-Vintage-50s-SWEATER_W0QQitemZ300365094229
12. http://magsrags.myshopify.com/products/vintage-50s-sheer-rockabilly-full-skirt-party-dress-s
I’m one of those people that LOVES Christmas. I can’t help it! I was brought up in a family of Christmas lovers so it’s tradition to plan the festivities well in advance. This year I’m buying all vintage and recycled for my loved ones and with Christmas not too far away, it’s been so very tempting to buy everything in sight. There’s so many adorable goodies available and shopping online is now so much easier and safer than in past years.
The Butterflies Tote Bag
One of the things I like to do is buy a small gift for my guests to open after Christmas dinner. My daughter loves to hand these out and it’s just a lovely way to end to the meal. Let’s hope my Christmas day guests aren’t reading this otherwise the surprise is over!
So I decided on these sweet butterfly tote bags, available at From Rags to Bags. They’re made from 100% unbleached cotton and such amazing value at only £6 each. In addition From Rags to Bags is offering free worldwide shipping throughout November.
Cute Catnip Toys!
I also bought three adorable catnip toys (one each for my own cats and one for my sister-in-law’s cat). I couldn’t possibly leave anyone out! Alison tells me they’re jam-packed full of catnip so we should be in for some after dinner fun once the cats have ripped the paper off and done a couple of turns! Alison makes these using recycled fabrics and they come in floral, plain or checked. I can definitely recommend From Rags to Bags. I guarantee you’ll receive the best in customer service and a super-quick dispatch too.
There’s lots of other vintage and recycled merchandise available. Alison has a lovely selection of vintage evening bags which will take you through the party season and beyond! Here are a few of my personal favourites but be quick, this shipping offer won’t last forever! Get yourself over to From Rags to Bags right now and bag yourself a bargain or three!
Go on! Treat yourself! A selection of goodies available at From Rags to Bags
BTW! There’s even more to choose from at From Rags to Bags on Etsy . Please note: the shipping offer applies ONLY to purchases made directly from the website of From Rags to Bags at http://fromragstobags.com
HAPPY SHOPPING!
Purchase Gift Certificates from $25 to $75
Know someone who loves vintage fashion? Give them the gift of recycled vintage this year! They’re perfect for birthdays, anniversaries or Christmas.
Catwalk Creative Vintage gift certificates can be:
* Sent via email to you or the recipient of your choice.
* Sent by snail mail! Free worldwide shipping if you prefer a nice card to be sent in the post.
This certificate is good for one year from the date of purchase. It is not redeemable for cash nor may it apply to previous purchases. It is not replaceable if lost.
Full details can be found in my Etsy boutique but if you have any questions, or would like a different amount, please contact me via Etsy.
If you love to fill your home with beautiful retro pieces, look no further than retropolitan. It’s one of my all time favourite online destinations! You’ll find lots of newly listed items including a wonderful selection of goodies from their ‘vintage vacations‘ section. This moves slightly away from the home with a range of vintage picnic and outdoor ware, luggage, toys and accessories. I promise you’ll have so much fun looking around this marvellous collection of retro loveliness!
Red Barn pottery vases by Bob Dawe
Amongst many of the other amazing pieces available, I particularly love the Red Barn pottery vases by Bob Dawe at £26 and £34 each. A stylish and unique gift for yourself or someone special this Christmas.
Stylish 1960's Murano dish
And, if you’re looking for the ultimate in chic glassware, what about this gorgeous 1960’s Murano glass dish? It’s an absolute steal at only £65!
I guarantee you’ll receive the very best in customer service. If you have any questions, please email Lesley enquiries@retropolitan.co.uk
Happy retro shopping!
It was only a few days ago that I discovered the wonderful Missy moo moo and sam website. My previous blog post was indeed dedicated to that very same site. Read it here. I had my eye on a couple of pieces and so these are my earliest Christmas purchases. A girl can’t help it!
I bought a gorgeous little cupcake apron for my daughter and the sweetest little PJ case for my friend’s daughter. Gail, the owner of Missy moo moo and sam, is not joking when she says that she uses only the best quality fabrics. I’m so delighted with my purchases and both are made to an exceptionally high standard. What you can’t see on the website are the yummy labelled tags and the fine stitching detail. Just divine!
In addition, I love it when my parcels arrive beautifully wrapped. I certainly wasn’t disappointed. Here’s a selection of photos, including one of the wrapping! Thank you very much Gail for shipping these items so quickly and for providing an exceptional service. I’ll be back!
Darling Pyjama Case
Cupcake Apron (up to age 7)
Wrapped with yummy candy-coloured ribbon.
Quality fabrics and lovely labels!
I just love the personal touch provided at Missy moo moo and sam
Contact Gail for a custom made order or go directly to the website.
Don’t you just love it when you find a fabulous new website? Just thought I’d share my most recent fab find with you. It’s the wonderfully named Missy moo moo and sam (great name don’t you think)? This business is run by the industrious and multi-talented Gail who’s a Manchester gal, just like myself. I say industrious and multi-talented because Gail designs and makes all the wonderful items on her website. Gasp!!
You’ll find everything from cute school bags and vintage styled aprons to kitsch purses and funky make-up bags – all available at extremely reasonable prices! These make perfect gifts for friends and family and with Christmas not too far way, it would be rude not to! Almost forgot, Gail designs and makes Christmas sacks. Anyone with a little one, will know that you’ve just got to have one of those for Santa!
If there’s something in particular you’re looking for, contact Gail for a custom order. She’s a super-talented lady!
Here’s just a few of my favourite pieces from Missy moo moo and sam.
Cupcake Childs Apron (fits up to age 7)
Funky Make-Up Bag
Too cute! Personalised Bedroom Cushion
Pucci-esque Purse
You can view all Gail’s merchandise at www.missymoomooandsam.co.uk or purchase from Gail’s Etsy store by clicking here.
Don’t forget to contact Gail if you’ve got a specific design idea or question about the merchandise for sale. Just complete the contact form. Happy shopping!
I’m delighted to report that the sparkly new website from Some Like it Vintage is now live! Yay! It was fabulous before but now you can purchase home accessories in addition to all the wonderful vintage fashion for ladies and gents.
Furnish your home with gorgeous retro pieces from bud vases and decanter sets to napkins and vanity cases. These fabulous items make the most unique gifts for friends and family so I insist you take a look and complete the contact form if you have any questions about the merchandise or if you’re looking for something in particular that you can’t find on the website.
The owner and creator of Some Like it Vintage is quite a lady. I met Veronica online through our mutual involvement with Etsy and was delighted to find that she’s a fellow member of the Vintage Fashion Guild (VFG). I contacted Veronica to see if she’d agree to me using some of her wonderful vintage garments for a blog piece I was writing. Veronica kindly agreed to my request and we’ve been firm online friends ever since. Because Veronica lives in Toronto, we’ve yet to meet – but one day I hope we do. She’s an incredible person and a real inspiration. If you read Veronica’s story, you’ll understand exactly why.
Ok, without further ado, here are some of my favourite pieces from Some Like it Vintage.
50's Taffeta Evening Gown, 50's Red Feathered Turban and 60's Jerry Marsch For Mardi Gras Dress in yellow chiffon
1939 Wool Gabardine Split Tails, 60's Averarado Bessi Silk Jersey Dress and 60's Suede & Faux Fur Coat
And last but not least, if you love reading about vintage fashion you’re going to love Veronica’s fabulous blog. It really is one of the best vintage blogs around. I always look forward to reading it. Her latest entry is entitled, Is that a Bird on your Head? No, it’s an Audobonnet!
Some Like it Vintage merchandise can be purchased from the following destinations:
Website: http://www.somelikeitvintage.com
Please note: 10% of sales from Some Like it Vintage are donated to help victims of domestic violence.
Email: office@somelikeitvintage.com
Yesterday was the eagerly awaited Manchester Vintage Fashion Fair. It’s only my second visit and both times I’ve been blown-away by the merchandise on offer. You can buy everything from clothing and textiles to vintage buttons, beads, lace, compacts – everything!
In addition to all the fabulous vintage merchandise, it’s a great opportunity to talk with the stall holders. You can’t help but be inspired by their enthusiasm and love for vintage. Here’s a photo of two lovely ladies that sold me my first items of the day. I purchased four vintage slips including one by Janet Raeger. Gorgeous! If you’re reading this ladies, a big thank you! I wish you every success for the future and look forward to seeing you both at the next fair.
These two stunning ladies sold me my first purchases of the day!
I also bought two vintage bags from the lovely Maggie of Garbo Antiques. Maggie has an eBay store and she’s a Manchester gal so I’ve met her a few times. She has the most amazing selection of vintage and her home is fair to bustin’ with clothes, accessories, costumes – you name it. Here she is with two of the bags I purchased; a beautiful red leather bag (looks un-used) from the 1960’s and a divine blue satin evening bag from the 1930’s/40’s. Thank you Maggie – look forward to seeing you soon!
The lovely Maggie of Garbo Antiques
I also purchased some delightful jewellery including one of my favourite purchases of the day, this lovely Art Deco beaded green necklace. Exquisite!
Another of my favourite purchases was this beautiful coney fur stole which dates from the 1940’s. Here it is along with the two very elegant stall holders. I remember only one of your names! Sorry gals, I know the lovely Gaye is on the right of the photo. It was delightful to meet you. Thank you! Hope to see you again next year.
My coney fur stole along with the delightful stall holders (Gaye is on the right)!
Some of my purchases include:
1940’s brown faux fur coat
4 slips/negligees
3 Art Deco dress clips
1950’s bracelet
1930’s black velvet evening bag
1930’s pink crystal earrings
1950’s brooch (engraved with ‘Mother’)
1930’s decorative hair clip
Coney fur stole
Knitting bag with plastic handles
Red leather 60’s bag
30’s/40’s blue satin evening bag
Late 50’s/early 60’s green dress
Art Deco Green beaded glass necklace
And, last but certainly not least, are Carol and Chris Bates of Past Caring (carolbates@tiscali.co.uk). What a lovely couple they are! I had a really good chat with Carol who spends a considerable amount of time in the USA purchasing her divine vintage handbags and compacts. Carol – I could have talked to you all day! Such an interesting lady and thank you for taking the time to speak to me and my American friend Beth (the lady that loves her plastic)! Look forward to meeting you again very soon. Click here to see more of Carol’s outstanding handbags.
A tiny selection of vintage delights from Carol and Chris Bates of Past Caring
I had the best time and can’t wait for the next fair. I’m thankful they only come to Manchester a couple of times a year. I purchased way more items than I intended but I love each and every one of them. Thank you to every stall holder that allowed me to take their photo or one of their stall. I appreciate it very much and hope you’ve enjoyed reading about my fabulous day out at the Manchester Vintage Fashion Fair. Big vintage hugs to you all and see you next year!
Take your pick! Some of the offerings at the Manchester Vintage Fashion Fair
It’s nowhere near winter yet but that’s not stopping me from starting my winter vintage sale! I’ve got loads of fabulous merchandise from dresses and shirts to handbags and nightwear. Please take a look at the SALE rail in my Etsy boutique for more fabulous bargains!
For those who’ve yet to discover the delights of Etsy, you don’t know what you’re missing! Go to www.etsy.com to find out more. All you need is a valid email address and a PayPal account and then you’ll be ready to shop ’til you drop! Payment is in US dollars $ but don’t worry if you don’t live in the States. PayPal will exchange the currently automatically for you so it couldn’t be easier. I’m buying all my Christmas gifts from Etsy this year 
If you’re looking for great quality vintage, look out for Vintage Fashion Guild members by typing the letters ‘vfg’ in the search box.
Here’s a small selection of vintage merchandise that I currently have on sale but there’s lots more in store!
$10 USD = £6.27 GBP at the time of posting. All three frocks below for only £18.81 – amazing value!!!
Let's party like it's 1983! Blue Swing Dress, Black Velvet Dress and Geometric Dress - Only $10 each!
Vintage Nightgown $15, 60's Shift Dress $10 and Kitten Bow Blouse $10
80's Jacquard Jacket $35, 60's Lace Slip $10, 60's Plaid Pea Coat $35
Catwalk Creative Vintage merchandise can be purchase from Etsy or directly from the website at www.catwalkcreative.co.uk
Happy sales shopping!
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