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Baby, It's Cold Outside

As the Mid-Atlantic region of the East Coast is currently experiencing blizzard-like conditions, it seems a good time to talk about warm and snuggly attire for being snowed-in this weekend!

As my Constant Readers are aware, I am never an advocate of sloppiness, no matter the weather or health conditions involved. Snowed-in on the weekend is no exception, especially when it’s the weekend before Valentine’s Day. So we’ll come up with some substitutes for the “sweats/PJs/ratty hair look” that will be sure to keep you warm, comfy and stylish.
First off, just because we’re trapped in the house does not mean that we don’t need to bathe/shower/wash our hair. Really. So do that first. And don’t just wad your hair up into a topknot. Do something with it. If you want to wear it up, by all means, wear it up-but put some thought into that up-do.

Since we’re bathing and doing our hair, we should do our regular toilette, just as for any other day. Moisturizer is key here, because we’re using a bit more heat and hopefully sitting by a roaring fire with loved ones. Both are very drying. Makeup can be a little subtle, but you at least need the basics: powder, mascara, lipstick.
The routine is similar to the “Sick with Style” routine. If you’re going to sit around in pajamas, and you aren’t sick, they really need to be cute-you don’t get a pass if you feel lazy. You can upgrade from PJs to nice leggings; something snuggly and sweet, cashmere and floral prints, etc. Vintage thermals are good, if you can find them. I like to pair them with the husband’s old-school Abercrombie Big Shirt and a tank. My feet are always cold, so I choose a pair of footie socks and then a pair of thick boot socks over them; heathered wool or cashmere from Anthropologie. Slipper socks are very Esther Williams in Duchess of Idaho. (Which is great for cold, snowy weather wardrobe inspiration!) I also advocate perfume, whether you’re going anywhere or not.

Classic movies are perfect for this: find ones that make the snowy weather seem romantic and fun. (Avoid films like The Shining.) The aforementioned Duchess of Idaho, The Man Who Came to Dinner, etc., are great for the weekend.  Or, if you don’t like the snow, watch something tropical and summery and dream about warmer weather!

Whatever you decide, remember that everything is better when you’re fresh and properly attired!

2009 Style Icons

Most fashion/style blogs have done a recap of the past year in Fashion, and Vintage Wear Daily is no exception. Our competition was tough, because there are fewer of us than there are of them!

Without further ado, our Best of the Best of 2009 Vintage Style!

1. Dita von Teese.

This one doesn't need any explanation. Hair, face, clothes, nails--all flawless. Every. Single. Time. No chipped polish, no torn clothing, no ratty hair. We love this girl. Dita's address is no secret.

2.Miss Amanda Lee

We've known and loved Amanda since way back when at the old Port Halcyon web site, so naturally she's on our list! Her look is authentic and feminine-perfect every time! Get yourselves over to her online gallery for more!

3. Fleur de Guerre

Fleur is a lovely girl from the UK who, we think, has nailed her Forties look! Fleur's online home is full of more fab photos!

4. Syd Divine

We can't remember how we stumbled across the gorgeous Syd, but we know we're glad we did! She's a perfect fit for our Style Icon list, don't you agree? You can find more at her site, hurry on over!

5. Ava Garter

Up-and-coming Burlesque artiste, and friend of Dita, Ava Garter has got something special. She's beautiful, talented and meets all our criteria for Vintage Style Icon! You can see for yourself how perfectly she fits!


Most of the Top Lists for modern style have 10, 20 or more, but we all know that the Vintage Style is a little more work and requires a little more than just buying off the rack! Our criteria is a bit more stiff, we demand authenticity and all-around Retrophile lifestyle. Not just a photo or two in a costume. Our Style Icons live it!  That's why our list is at Five this year...but who knows? Maybe next year there will be twice as many...maybe next year, it will include YOU!!

Sales 101--A Tutorial, of sorts...

I see a lot of Etsy Vintage shops lately, while perusing their offerings for items to add to my personal wardrobe.

There are also a lot of Etsy Vintage shops with Twitter accounts, Facebook pages, and Blogs; and I follow quite a few. Some of them are friends, some are online acquaintances, and some are shops that consistently offer quality merchandise at reasonable prices and I don't want to miss a thing.

In past life, I logged an absurd amount of time as an online/marketing/PR/sales-type professional. I am also considered quite knowledgeable about Vintage Fashion. This is meant to be helpful, drawing on my experiences of what works and what does not work, and what I find appealing as an online consumer.


1. SEPARATE YOURSELF: If you have a Twitter account for your shop, have a separate personal account. Establish yourself as a Professional, as a Business Owner who takes it seriously. Here is why: if you use Twitter to complain about slow or no sales, about how many sales you need to pay your rent or to wonder aloud WTF is wrong with people that they are not buying what you are selling--you will lose current and potential customers. A cardinal rule for sales people is to "fake it til you make it." This means, you must look prosperous and successful especially when you are not. The message you are sending is that your stuff is not attracting buyers, for whatever reason. So, instead of the complaints, post up your latest listings with tag lines like, "Limited time offerings!" "This won't last" "I'm keeping this if you don't buy it today!"
Your postings should be positive and engaging. Make us want to see what you found that is not to be missed!

2. LIMIT YOURSELF: Save up posts about your listings for once or twice a week, or at the most, once per day. Really. My Twitter feed looks like the classifieds some days, and I just skip them all. It's too much and I just refuse to sort thru it all. I've asked around, and I am not the only one. Make the updates an occasion, not just so much flotsam in the feed.

3. USE ACCURATE DESCRIPTIONS: This is huge for Retrophiles looking for vintage clothing. HUGE. We want authenticity. We want measurements. We want a true indication of condition and wear-ability. If it needs altering or repairing, or cleaning, tell us the truth. Avoid things like "Mad Men" especially if you have no idea what that means as a descriptive. I don't want a dress from the 80s that "looks" 50s that is "described" as Mad Men-style, which is 60s. See what I mean? Know your product. Do the research.
4. COMPETITIVE ANALYSIS: Where do you shop online for vintage? Which stores/shops are selling out, despite the lousy state of the economy? People are still shopping, you just need to figure out where and why. What are these sellers doing differently? I'm not talking about stealing someone's design aesthetic, I'm talking about basics: ads, photos, descriptions, policies, etc...These are the things that bring customers. What can you do better?

Nothing makes me happier than shopping online and supporting friends and fellow Retrophiles. I loathe chain stores and haven't set foot in the Maul in nearly a year. When I need things, or want things, I go to eBay and Etsy and the online stores.

If you're an Author on this blog, use it to highlight sales or especially choice items--it's free and it's like shooting fish in a barrel for your target market! If you want access, just email me and I'll set you up to post.

We want to keep these sellers in business! It's good for the environment to buy vintage! It's good for Fashion to buy vintage! It's good for your soul!!!

Please take my suggestions in the spirit they were offered: I just want to share what has been successful with all my friends who are struggling with their businesses right now. Holiday shopping season is upon us and there is no reason you shouldn't benefit from it!!

Foul Weather Style

Well, I'd like to say "go away," but we do need it. Its just this time of year, I suppose.

I find that I enjoy Autumn more and more each year, but I just can't make my peace with the rain. It chills me to the bone.

So what do we wear in the rain? If it's chilly, wool is certainly more than adequate. A heavy cotton if it's not too cold, but moving into October, I'll stick with the wool or wool/silk blend. Stockings, of course; patterned and colored tights are gaining in popularity, but not strictly an "authentic" vintage look. I see many lovely versions for those who want to do "vintage-quirky." To each his own. Also at this time of year, I'm quite fond of layers. A sleeveless top with a cardigan, or short-sleeved silk with a cardigan or pullover-all good options. A scarf is a great way to add some color and it's useful.

Now to the footwear. This is perhaps the stickiest point for me in cold weather. My feet are perpetually cold. No matter the outside temperature and no matter the Season. I have cold feet, and if there is any precipitation, so much the colder. The Gaytees boots were all the rage, and I was lucky enough to score a like-new pair in black, low heel with a "fur" trim. I also have a knee-high pair of Eskiloos, lined in sheepskin. These babies are warm. Both of them. I can with only stocking feet in them, and my feet are toasty, no matter the weather!

(this is a 1930s ad, mine are 1940s-50s, so a bit different)

A good trench coat is a must. London Fog, Burberry, whatever your checkbook allows! Traditional tan, with a zip-in fur lining, and belted. It goes with everything.

The hat is optional, I rarely wear one in the rain. My hairstyle just doesn't support it very well, and in the nasty weather, why take extra chances??

Besides, I generally get "door-to-door" service when it's foul weather...and so should You. Insist upon it.

Being Sick, with Style

There are several ways to accomplish this, depending on your personal proclivities. I tend toward the Bombshell variety, so I can advise on that particular method quite well...

One of the most important elements in the whole thing, from the Bombshell perspective, is the clothing. Pajamas, of course, but not just anything will do. When you feel lousy, something filmy and flowing probably isn't going to be comfortable, but you can't go all-in for flannel, either. So, to keep your reputation in tact, some cute baby doll pajamas should do nicely for this time of year. Also, this is no time to forsake cosmetics. You can get away with less- some good powder (try MAC Mineralize), black mascara (waterproof), and lipstick. Plenty of moisturizer.

Next, you need a large bed. It's just better. You can stretch out, across, and still have space for the things you need next to you: pink princess phone, pink tissues, TV remote, lots of pillows and of course, the cats. They always know when I'm sick and they love it when it's Nap Time all day.

The night stand should also be close at hand, to hold books, the radio, various beverages and prescriptions, hand cream, pens & paper, and lip balm. I also keep my reading glasses and crossword puzzles handy, as well as a lamp. I don't like bright light when I'm sick.

Have all the good old classic films on DVD: I've spent the day with Doris Day & Rock Hudson/Cary Grant/David Niven. Of course, you can just watch whatever is on TV, but why leave it to chance?

Last, but certainly not least, a handsome hunk of a husband to check on you, buy you boxes of chocolates and bottles of bourbon, cook dinner and pat your head, and, most importantly, know when to leave you alone.

See?

So, if you manage those things, you should be able to find some small joys in being sent to bed sick. I know I always do.

Advice for Wannabe Starlets!

Starlet Miss Amanda Lee takes yet another call to her dressing room, who can it be this time?

"You are going to be a star and a star does not carry groceries......

Whenever you go out in public, you dress to the teeth!.....



...you don't go around in slacks, you dress and look like a Star"

Miss Amanda Lee wears "The Countess" She takes Mr Zanuck's telephone advice very seriously!

www.ablegrable.com

Like Mr Zanuck's advice, this dress is very exclusive, you could move fast and make it yours!

Embracing my Inner-Brando

Ever since my Grandma Carol made me watch The Wild One on television when I was a child, I have been fascinated with classic movies and motorcycles. As I pursue my renewed interest in two-wheeled mayhem, I found something that combines two of my favorite loves. Cigars and motorcycles.



Sucker Punch Sally's (an Arizona based maker of custom choppers) has teamed with CAO cigars to produce a gorgeous chopper. Hand painted by resident virtuoso Sara Ray, the bike is a bobber throwback. It's a beautiful bike that I would love to take for a spin but you can't buy it for any price. You have to win it.

CAO is a top-notch cigar producer, making classic yet unique smokes. I am a longtime fan of CAO products, and encourage any cigar smoker to become one as well. I've admired Suckerpunch Sally's bikes and to see this collaboration is amazing for me. So check out the website to enter or just drool over the pics.



You can enter here. Even if you are not a motorcycle rider, the bike is a work of art. Check out the saddlebags made of beautiful hand-tooled leather. The artwork could have come from the turn of the last century.



If you are looking for a cool ride and you feel lucky, then enter for a crack at this bad bike.

Moms with Style: The Vintage Look

When my youngest child was about 2, someone told me that being a mom shouldn’t mean you are inherently “square.” Now, she wasn’t calling me “square,” we were discussing women of our acquaintance who’d completely given up, style-wise, once they had children. We decided that it was just not necessary.

At the time, I was working in a very corporate environment, requiring me to wear suits on a daily basis and meeting frequently with clients. What I discovered pretty quickly is that you could buy a fairly basic suit, and, as long as it fit well, still make a statement. I bought a few of good quality, and then proceeded to make my statement via shoes and jewelry. Vintage jewelry, pearls with a black leather blazer, 40s style suede platforms. Vintage bags. Red nails. Red lips. You get the picture.

In my daily life, I find that I stick out like a sore thumb in the parking lot of my daughter’s school. All those moms look alike. And none of them look like me. And that’s just fine, because I have found quite a few moms who do look like me, thanks to the Internet and this blog.

Twila Jean is one of them.

She writes:

I am Twila Jean, mom of 2 kids ages 3 and 1. I adore all things vintage and dress in 40s and 50s clothes every day. I set my hair in pin-curls and love to do my make-up. I strive to look my best when leaving the house. Having kids does not mean you are doomed to wear pajamas to the supermarket. I also pen a vintage blog called The Mysterious Life of the Metropolitan Housewife (http://living-vintage.blogspot.com). I often post snaps and stories of my life where children and vintage coalesce.

And, Trixie Dee:

I'm TrixyDee from the UK!
I consider myself to be a Mum with vintage interest! I have two children, Laurence aged 4 and Violet who is 2.
Find it hard to find the time to make myself look glamourous but I do get round to it sometimes!

I think one of the popular misconceptions is that it takes so much time. It really doesn’t. I look at this way: you are going to put on powder, probably, at least. Then, chances are you’re going to use a little brown eye liner and some mascara. Probably some lip gloss.

So, why not use black eyeliner? Sharpen the pencil every single time and you’ll have a perfect fine line. Black mascara. And why not use a sheer red lip gloss? Less confrontational than a matte red lipstick, but a bit of a punch, and it brightens up your whole face.

Or, you can make an appointment with someone like Nicole, who does professional pin up makeovers and photography. Be a Bombshell for a day and you’ll never go back to sweats and ponytails, we promise!

Nicole: www.thehourglass.eu

My name is Nicole Klein and I am 37 proud mummy of a ten year old son.

Not only do I love my vintage style, but I even earn my living with retro pin-ups.

No photographers where you live? Take a cue from Nadja—watch the old movies. They’re all available to rent, I’ve even seen a few at the Dollar Store! Put one on while you’re doing your hair and face…you’ll be inspired!

Nadja: http://ensalig.blogspot.com

I have always been interested in the 30´s, 40´s and early 50´s beccause of my dear father! When I was ill as a small child we often sat down looking on old photos from his parents and grandparents and told me about what they told him about how they lived and how he grew up. Gettin a little older we watched old swedish movies and hollywoods of course(from the 30´s- 50´s) I loved the clothes, the cars and the beautiful actors! Four years ago I started to wear more rockabilly influenced clothes and hairdos. Now, since my baby was born (now 20months old) and I lost the extra weight I have started to collect and reproduce clothes from the times mentioned above.
I can´t say my style is glamouros, it´s casual just beccause I have a child. Maybe that´s why I reproduce instead of buying real vintage, always prepared to be the target of a spill of milk or catch a sandwich in my lap! *ha ha*

It’s easy to do what’s easy. That’s why everyone does it. I discovered a long time ago that the best way to have some time for myself was to find it and take it. So I get up early. Really early. I have a quiet morning to prepare for the day. Enjoy my coffee, snuggle up in my vintage fluffy robe and slippers, get the bathroom all to myself! So I find the time I need to do the things that are important. What I know is that, for me, when I start the day with my Best Self forward, the day repays me in kind. Do I have days where it just doesn’t happen? Absolutely. And I’d be willing to be that our other Moms do, too. But when you develop a habit, it becomes more automatic. This is just what we do.

Give it a try. Set your alarm for just 15 minutes earlier. Start the coffee and heat up the curlers while you wash your face. Pour a cup and set your hair. Do your face, brush out your hair and revel in the simple glamour.

When you’ve done that, I dare you to put on sweats!!

Calling All Moms!

I am working on an article about Moms with Style, particularly the Vintage style!

If you are decidedly NOT the soccer-mom, please email me with your bio/info and a few snapshots of your fabulous self! Please also include a statement granting me permission to use your info and photos. charmcitydailyATgmailDOTcom

The article will appear first on my blog, CharmCity|Daily, then I'll be submitting to other publications later.

Thanks in advance!!

xo
Ami

Dead Men's Spex

I have Queens of Vintage to thank for this link. One of the best online shops for affordable, original vintage frames. So get your cat's eyes on!

Dean Men's Spex

Do you Talk the Talk?

Recently I received this beautiful black and white photo of one of my Favourite
Vintage Models in the post! (click here to go to Photographers myspace to see all his work)

I'll let you into a secret, there are only 3 or 4 of these beautiful girls that, for my tastes,
really walk the walk and talk the talk, so to speak.





So, imagine my delight when Miss Amanda Lee and the photographer Doug Monce of the said photo, get together and shoot photos of my new gown, the Wicked Lady 1945!






This was just the kind of gown I'd imagine Margaret Lockwood and Patrica Roc to be slinking about in, whilst off the set!!! Designed it with Lockers, Pat, Amanda and myself in mind at the time!

www.ablegrable.com

Splish, Splash! (Repost from Bygone Knits)

Vogue Knitting, Spring/Summer, 1950

As everyone heads off to The Pool or The Beach during this unbearable heat wave, it's time to talk bathing suits. First of all, were I you, Dear Reader, I would look into vintage, or vintage reproduction suits -- contrary to what's commonly available today, the coverage and cut of vintage suits is extremely flattering. Legs openings cut up to your navel do NOT make you look slimmer, or like you have longer legs, no matter what "fashion experts" say. They make you look like a tramp. And, most likely, a funny-shaped one at that, to say the least. (I could say something more unkind.) Look how elegant the model above looks. And the cut of her suit is, er, suitable (completely unintentional pun) for any body shape or size. Remember that 1950s models were not twigs like they are today.

What you may not know is that woolen bathing suits were the standard through the '30s and '40s, and even common through the '60s. But aren't they hot, you say? Not at all! They may not dry as quickly modern nylon and spandex, but, honestly, isn't it irritating when you're dry and hot again five minutes after emerging from the pool? Really, be honest. You hate it.

I hope to make the above swimsuit one day -- and I also happen to have the same pattern from Vogue sewing. Perhaps both a woolen and cotton one are in order, I love the cut so much.

Vintage Daily Wear 01

May I present my first post regarding my daily clothing habits. I would like to stress from the outset that this and any further posts (of mine) will draw no distinction between vintage clothing and quality, classic or repro clothing.
From a Saturday afternoon of shopping and supping:

• Vintage Milan straw hat from The Girl Can't Help It.
• Harrington from J.Simons (dreadful website, great shop). The jacket is made by Bramble and is exactly the same as the Barracuta harrington but in a superior cloth.
• Vintage combination glasses from Klasik.
• Short sleeved, striped top in Sea Island cotton by John Smedley.

Postcards!

Email me your address for postcards from vacation!
I love sending them and realized I have few addresses these days...

charmcitydaily@gmail.com

The Social Club

There are many on-line fakers, fashionistas and followers of fads proclaiming a love for vintage style. Their passion for the fashion will mostly last for around 6 months.
For the lifestylers there is only one forum: The Social Club.

Put the Wiggle in Your Walk

I do apologise for this blatant advertising on behalf of Sophistikitten (the better half of The Sophisticate's Diary) but I feel that anything that encourages young, and not so young, ladies to please our eyes with displays of serpentine curves must be promoted wholeheartedly.
The tight skirt is seldom seen in these sartorially Hellish times and this dire situation must be rectified post haste.

Please take a stroll through the electronic emporium and feel free to ask any questions as the lovely Miss Nicola, proprietress, is most accommodating.

http://www.sophistikitten.net/

Mad Men Yourself

I've been having a bit of fun using AMC's Mad Men Yourself. If you're a fan of the stylish, witty and clever drama, you can entertain yourself inserting yourself into the world of Madison Avenue advertising's heyday. Several people have turned me on to this show and this little time waster. Thanks to all of you!

Miss Ann Darrow 1933

Here she is, Miss Amanda Lee sporting the Miss Ann Darrow 1933.

Inspired by my love of Fay Wray and her famous hairy Beau!

Can be worn for wedding gown, party frock, cocktails or simply because
you feel like a movie star!

My own current version is black satin.

If Mr M ever decides to make an honest woman of me, this is what I'll be wearing!

Miss Matilda xx

www.ablegrable.com

Hosiery for the Chaps

What could possibly be more daily than socks? My first contribution to this collective sharing of our old-fashioned ways is a modest offering but may well be appreciated by those gentlemen who are struggling to find suitably stylish apparel for their tootsies.

Pantherella are doing Fair Isle socks in three different colourways. Just the right compliment to some sturdy tan brogues and thornproof tweeds. They can be purchased from The Vintage Shirt Company.