Archive for April, 2010

When You Say, “Drama,” I Say…

By Jaynie Van Roe, 13 April, 2010, 2 Comments

When you say, “Drama,” I say, “Evelyn Brent.” Exhibit A, these photos taken by Otto Dyar.

The Stunningly Dramatic Evelyn Brent

(I believe these were a series of promotional photos for the actress herself and are not tied to any individual films — but then, with so many lost silent films, it’s difficult to say… Perhaps “Salome” is the title of a film and not just the character she created in the photograph?)

It’s not just the stunning photographs, the bold black and white fashions, or even Brent’s singular beauty…

Evelyn Brent As "Salome" (Photo By Otto Dyar)

It’s the accessories.

Evelyn Brent: Hair & Accessories

The barrettes or combs in the hair — and the pearls, oh, the pearls!

Intrigued? Check out Evelyn Brent: The Life and Films of Hollywood’s Lady Crook– it’s on my wishlist!

Cheer Up, Buttercup!

By Jaynie Van Roe, 13 April, 2010, No Comment

I don’t think anyone could be sad wearing this vintage midriff baring shorts set.

Vintage Romper Shorts Set

Soft yet sunny buttercup yellow rayon with sheer white chiffon frills and real shell buttons by “Tom Girl” Eastern Isles; from the 1940′s, but is brand new old stock — never worn!

1940's Yellow Top With White Chiffon Ruffles & Shell Buttons

Great Sale Mail News!

By Jaynie Van Roe, 7 April, 2010, No Comment

You know I prefer vintage clothing, lingerie, shoes, jewelry, and accessories; but sometimes, when rarity and/or availability prevents me from having my way, I have to count on getting some classic pieces by modern makers. (And, I’ll be honest, sometimes issues of fit and fabric care make contemporary pieces not only a more convenient purchase but a more practical one to live with — and that’s before we even get to the rest of the members of the family!)

For ease in finding my favorite brands — and in the sizes my family needs — I count on Sale Mail from Shop It To Me for alerts to sales and deals online. This probably doesn’t surprise you as I mention many of the fabulous Sale Mail finds here quite often — but I have (even more) good news!

Now there’s Shop It To Me for those in the United Kingdom — which helps not only those in the UK but all members find the deals on the hot Brit styles and British designers!

If you already have a Shop It To Me membership, you can login and select the UK brands and designers you want to receive sale alerts for — and you can upgrade to the new UK service simply by emailing support@shopittome.co.uk.

If you’re not already a member, you can sign up for your free Shop It To Me Sale Mail alerts here. (Click the US or UK flag at the top right side to specify your location.)

Shop It To Me Goes British!

Footwear Friday

By Jaynie Van Roe, 2 April, 2010, 2 Comments

Some fabulous vintage footwear for you.

Turquoise is the color for Spring, so why not look ultra up-to-date with these vintage turquoise mules from the 1950s? The silver details (studs and trim) and grey rhinestones make these classic vintage heels!

Vintage 1950's Turquoise Heels

If you’re more delighted by Spring’s traditional pastels, look at these lovely clear Lucite mules with painted pastel flowers!

Vintage Painted Floral Mules

Pastel Flowers Painted On Clear Lucite Springolator Heels

I’m often surprised by the magnificent colors in women’s shoes from the 1940s — all that black and white film viewing distorts a reality of colorful shoes!

Like the vibrant green snakeskin of these peep-toe platform heels from the 1940s.

Women's 1940's Green Snakeskin Peep-Toe Shoes

These shoes from the 1930s or 40s era are painted silk — an Art Deco geometric design of olive triangles, green, red and white circles on black silk. But that’s not all!

Geometric Designs Painted On Silk Peeptoe Shoes

There’s even geometric stitched designs on the gold leather (which matches the ankle straps) at the top center of the vamp, right before the at the peeptoes.

Fabulous Art Deco Vintage Women's Shoes

Also, don’t forget to check out The History of Ferragamo Shoes. The post covers not just the history, but why vintage fashion lovers covet shoes by Salvatore Ferragamo.

Poolside Peignoir

By Jaynie Van Roe, 1 April, 2010, 1 Comment

The lovely Esther Williams wearing a sheer, dreamy peignoir as a swimsuit cover-up at the pool — the outdoor pool. This sure beats terrycloth! So why not bring this beautiful vintage idea back?

Esther Williams, Poolside In A Peignoir

Here's Looking Like You, Kid