Last night, Patrick, Angelina, Carla of Bohemian Vintage, and I attended Alex Sandra’s Tiki Madness fashion show at Tony Starlight’s.

With exotic drinks in hand we enjoyed live piano music, and fabulous fashions available from Alex Sandra’s shop.  Near the entrance Alex Sandra had set up jewelry, hats and clothing available for purchase, in addition to the items in the show being for sale. I love that Alex Sandra accentuates the versatility of vintage.  She had women of all shapes and sizes (proving that vintage is not just for the itty bitty!), and demonstrated of how a necklace and brooch can quickly become a bracelet.  Alex Sandra also pointed me out in the crowd, and I was able to come up on stage, share my dress (from Nobody’s Baby in Eugene) and plug both my antique space and my blog!

As for Tony Starlight’s itself, the establishment harks back to the lounges of the 1950s and 60s with live music and entertainment, and is showy without being gaudy, and also intimate and offers you a chance to hob-knob with the owner himself.  We ate dinner before hand and opting to do dessert and drinks there.  I highly recommend the Huckleberry Lemonade!

The next fashion show is sometime in September and is said to be Mad Men themed! OoOo…more details as the event draws closer!

Today was the Division and Clinton Street Fair in the southeastern part of PDX.  Included were a wide variety of artisan crafts for sale, along with delicious delights and a few vintage shops.  Via Facebook, I head that the lovely Liz at Xtabay was having a sale.  $1, $5, and $10 items! Just up my alley!  I walked away with a lovely pink Alexander Lipton dress for only $8.00!

I just adore Liz’s shop.  If I ever have the opportunity to have my own shop I would hope to have it as nice as her shop is.  She’s open for another few hours (until 8pm!) so get a chance and head over there at 2514 SE Clinton and see what she has!

Another PDX vintage heads up! AlexSandra is hosting her Tiki Maddness vintage fashion show and sale this Tuesday night over at Tony Starlight’s.  I have my reservation, do you?

Have you ever been out shopping and wondered if an item you were looking at was vintage or is there something in your closet that has you curious?  Well, here are a few useful tips and tricks to help you out next time or to help you with that mystery item hanging up!

Sizing

Over the past few decades ladies’ fashion has been flooded what is called “vanity sizing”.  This is the process to make women feel slimmer and that has created the double zero and the negative sizes that now exist.  However, when shopping for vintage, don’t be shocked when a size 10 or 14 fits you! How is that possible…take these two case studies:

Please notice, that both of these dresses have a 28 inch (14 x 2) waist as you can see with the tape measure.  The dress on the left is a new dress, with a size 4 tag, however the vintage dress on the right is a size 10.

Zippers

Today, most zippers, except for the pull tab, are made of plastic and the teeth are very small.  Additionally, the pulls are often eye-shaped or extremely thin.  This is not the case with vintage.

On the new dress up top, the zipper is made of plastic (often the plastic is the same color as the dress) and the teeth are small.  On the vintage dress, it is a full metal zipper, with a flat, larger pull and larger teeth.  Additionally, the zipper has been painted to match the color of the dress.  You will notice paint chips on vintage clothing from the piece being worn.

Fabric

Fabric is also very important.  Most 1940s and 50s items are made or cotton, wool or linen.  It wasn’t until the 1960s and 70s that polyester became common.  Additionally, if a dress has a lot of spring in the fabric it is in all likelihood that it is new.  Spandex was not invented until 1959 and was not commonly used until the 1970s when the disco and hot pants craze hit.  Additionally, elastic was not often used in waists.  You’ll find a handful of 1960s and 70s dresses with elastic, but usually elastic waists means it is from the 80s or later.

Labels & Where It Was Made

Most vintage labels are stitched, and not screen printed.  Additionally, size labels are often paper.  Although, you will notice that expensive brands today still use stitched labels.  Most of America’s clothing in the mid-20th century was made right here, in America.  So a “Made in the U.S.A.” label is wonderful to have.  Additionally, a “Made in China/Philippines/Mexico/etc.” label is usually a dead giveaway that the item is new.  However, there are some vintage items made in China, however these items did not read “China” but instead “Hong Kong” or “The British Republic of Hong Kong”.  Even better to help in dating an item is an International Ladies’ Garment Workers’ Union label.  If you have a piece with such a label, check out this useful guide by an eBay’er.

I hope this was of use!

Last week I plowed through a presentation on Tuesday and wrote three essays in three days, combined with also going to a birthday party and seeing Iron Man at midnight.  So, needless to say, come the weekend I was dead tired, but also felt like I needed some sore of reward for basically turning super-human.  So I popped by Buffalo Exchange and a thrift store near by.

The dress on the left isn’t vintage, but I loved it regardless.  It reminded me of those wild dresses out of Grease.  I saw it on the mannequin as I bicycled into the parking lot and knew I had to try it on.  I feared it being too small and too much money, but I was thrilled to find it fit and only cost $16.00!  The dress on the right is a Burt Stanley of California.  It’s velvet and slipper satin collar and cuffs and  has plastic buttons with rhinestones set in them, talk about stunning.  What made it even better was that I found it on their 50% off rack, so it cost only $8.00.

I also swung by a local thrift shop, where I found some fabulous 1960s wedding gowns that I had to pass on buying simply because I don’t have the room to currently store them, but what I did find, I nearly keeled over…

I’ve been hunting for a pair of Spring-O-Laters for some time now, and discovering that (1.) they cost a pretty penny and (2.) they are for women with tiny, tiny feet.  When I saw this pair, I was screamed with joy.  I didn’t even try them on, I just bought them they were so cheap.  Sadly, they don’t fit with a darn, but I love them so much that I’m not quite sure I can part with them to sell them.  I might just hang onto them and keep ‘em as art.

Today through Saturday, the UO plays host to the Street Fair, which brings in an array of unique items from jewelry to clothing to journals, and not to mention food, including my fav, frozen chocolate covered cheesecake.  This year, like in a few years past, Oak Street Vintage has set up shop to offer up a taste of what they have at their store on 14th and Oak.  I intended to take a gander after class, but I left early to drop off some library books, and still had time to see what I could find…And I found two fabulous treasures…

The dress on the left has lived a somewhat hard life, but it is adorable never the less, and with its lightweight fabric, I’m thrilled to add it to my warm weather collection of dresses.  The dress on the right had me jumping for joy. I just adore the cut and the fabric is wonderful.  Neither have a tag, and the insides bear  the markings of homemade goodness.  Bought the pair for $35.00, not too shabby.

Like always, I spent my Sunday at the Eugene Picc-a-Dilly.  And what a flea market it was!  I found loads of fabulous goodies (and at fabulous prices, I might add), and Patrick was shocked when I walked in the door with my hands full of paper sacks.

The thing I love about flea markets is the more you attend the bigger of a reputation you get.  I’ve been going since I can remember and over the years, even in just the last three years, I’ve developed great relationships with people, and the better the relationship, the better the deals.  So, when you have frequent flea market, like Eugene’s, which is pretty much every other weekend, go often, and build on those relationships, you’ll make good friends and great deals.  Also, they get to know what you’re into, and if they come across something, they become eager to show you it, and sell you it – they may even hold it back for you , knowing you’ll buy it, so no one else can get their hands on it.  It’s wonderful to hear the words, “For you, I’ll do…” and get a better price because they know you, and it’s an honest offer, instead of a fake “car salesman” deal.

And now, for the finds…

First off, this great late-1960s evening dress, sadly, washing has worn away any evidence of the brand, but at $6.00, it didn’t matter, especially since it was in pretty good condition.  These pillows had me super excited the moment I saw them, $20.00 for the pair was a little steep for a young college kid, but I had to have them, and I knew it wasn’t that much in the grand scheme.  This second dress really made my day. I loved everything about it!  I’m thinking I may have it be my rehearsal (and dinner) dress. The pattern is just so romantic (I know it’s hard to tell, but it’s a raised rose pattern) and the cut is just so 60s, and for $20.00, I couldn’t resist!  I also found this amazing TV antenna, which is also a prop in Mad Men! It’s in Joan’s apartment! And for $6.00, it’s a stellar convo piece.  As you may know, I’m a sucker for turquoise, diamond shapes, so these glasses had my name on ‘em! $9.00 for the set of six!  Then I found these pin-up, and despite her rather tragic condition, I couldn’t leave her, especially since she was a red head, and I had to part with $5.00 to take her home.

My fabulous day didn’t end when I got home from the flea market and work.  Around 7:30 my friends Angelina and Kali swung by to drop off a belated birthday present…the promotional 45 of That Thing You Do! Which I have been searching for for years!  I and I mean years, but could never part with the money to buy one off Ebay.  Needless to say I was ecstatic!

I’m thrilled to have had such a high this weekend prior to a week where I have to crack down and crank out three essays and a presentation.

Last Thursday, Patrick and I crowded onto a bus with about 75 other UO students at 6:45 in the morning to make our way to Career Symposium in Portland.  The event is usually tailored to the students of the Architecture and Allied Arts school, but when I took a gander at the sessions offered, I noticed there was someone from a museum, and museum work as always interested me as a possible career path, so I went to attend those sessions as well as some general career advice sessions.  I learned some, got some conflicting advice on my resume (career objective or not, list wage or not, list interesting/useful classes or not?) and made some connections.

I didn’t attend every session, because of the AAA focus, so I hit up the array of vintage shops close to the Embassy Suites where the event was being held.  I found a fabulous little Sa’bett of California vintage blouse, for a mere $8.00! Great condition.  Also, Pat and I were able to slip out during the reception to continue a tradition we have in Portland – visit the photobooth at the Ace Hotel (the one he proposed to me in).

I hope you all have a swell weekend, I’m putting my nose to the grindstone.  I was asked to give a guest lecture in my Pacific Northwest class on my seminar paper, the one about crime and corruption in Portland during the 40s and 50s, so that’s Tuesday, and I have three essays due that same week!

What a week it’s been.  I’ve had loads of reading, but have also had some time to hit up the Goodwills and St. Vinnies.  I found some things I needed…and some things that I didn’t, but had to have…such as this pair of amazing sunglasses…

Initially, I just saw the case, which is stunning within itself.  The case was in one of their display cases, which needs to be asked to be open.  I wanted to get a better look at the case, and what a surprise it was when I discovered the treasure inside!  It was like getting the toy you always wanted from a Cracker Jacks box! $9.99.

Then yesterday I was at the downtown Smith Family bookstore and ventured over to Buffalo Exchange where I found these two beauties…

I just get such a kick out of this 1970s Cole of California mini dress.  It’s perfect for a swim cover-up, or for a hot summer backyard BBQ, especially on the Fourth of July!  I just can’t get over the mesh sections, making it a swinger of a dress. $16.50.  And I found this…

I just adore this Alix of Miami wiggle dress.  Its pattern and cut (just look at that neckline!) is just fabulous that I couldn’t resist, especially for $22.50.

And what does the weekend bring…? Well, the Picc-a-Dilly flea market for one…and working, not to mention some school work.  Only 59 more days until graduation!

Tuesday the lovely Alex Sandra came to visit as part of her day-trip to California.  I showed her one of my favorite hot spots in Eugene, Nobody’s Baby.  She picked up a pair of lovely spring-o-lator shoes and three purses!  I walked away with the most darling dress that I wish I could have had for Valentine’s Day!

I believe the dress to be homemade based upon the stitching and the fact that it has no label.  I just adore the asymmetrical lines and scalloped edges. It’s classic ’40s/’50s.  I was a little unsure about the length when I tried it on at the shop, but with heels, it’s a great, classic length. Cost: $27.50

Later, my friend, Jen visited and we hit up the Goodwills and St. Vinnies around town.

One of the many things I collect is Pan Am. While I collect vintage flight bags from any airline, Pan Am I collect pretty much anything of, so I was thrilled when I found this “World Wings International Hostess Cook Book” by Pan Am.  Copyrighted 1972, though it is obvious that it was not printed until 1974, based on the International Officers page, the book offers up recipes from around the world.  On the back of each divider is listings for each place Pan Am flies.  Plus, I found this article from the Eugene Register-Guard reviewing the book! Purchased at St. Vincent de Paul for $2.99.

I picked this fabulous Hawaiian dress at Goodwill.  The tag, as you can see reads “Hawaiian Togs”.  I haven’t had any luck digging anything up on the label, but people are asking any where from $20.00 to $130.00 for this label, making me feel pretty darn good about my $5.99 purchase!  Plus I love that the original price of $12.95 is still visible on the tag.

At the same Goodwill I picked up this “Dubl Handi” washboard, for $4.99.  While I adore it for its wording on the back, it’s a shame that the images that were printed on the front have since disappeared, since research online reveals that they were stockings, handkerchiefs and a bra.

I really would love to do a pin-up themed laundry room with pin-ups on the walls, and a washboard and clothes line strung up. Something I can hopefully have one day.

But the icing on the cake at this Goodwill was finding this 1964 Jim Beam bottle (dates are on the bottom of the bottles), for $7.99.  You may recognize the shape because it was the bottle that was used for Jeannie’s bottle in the 1960s TV show I Dream of Jeannie, one of my all time favorite TV shows.  Ages ago, and I mean ages, back when I was in grade school, my dad and I purchased a bottle at the Portland Expo (for $20.00) and my dad hand painted it to look like the second season and forward bottle, and since then I’ve wanted another to paint like the first season (yes, there were two different bottles), however finding bottles is rare and pricey at times, since unpainted bottles can go for as high as $40.00.  I can’t wait to get to work on this.

Last weekend antique collectors flocked to Portland’s Expo buildings for the spring Palmer-Wirf Antique Show to look at over 1000 booths hunting for that special thing.  Sometimes when I’m around my friends who don’t collect, I begin to feel alone, but at these shows, I am reminded that I’m very far from alone.  This year, I observed and met loads of interesting people.  I met a man who has been on a 12 year hunt to collect photographs which were done by his great grandfather, and when sitting down for lunch I sat next to a woman dressed in early 20-century attire eating nachos. “I love your dress,” I commented, “Did you make it?” She nodded yes, and began to tell me how her and her husband are historical re -enactors who portray Teddy Roosevelt and his wife.  Such interesting people and such wonderful things to buy! What could be better?

As for the finds, it was a day of really good deals…

Rose Hat with Veil

This little number I just adore.  With its small cap, faux rose and veil, it screams I Love Lucy.  Also, I’m half tempted to wear it for my wedding, or at least my going away hat.  There are some condition issues, like the rose is a little flattened, and there are some rips in the netting, but overall, not too bad.  There is not label.  Cost: $3.00

Marche Exclusive Hat

Another classic 50s hat, one that says “Wear me on Easter Sunday”.  Like the other one, this one has some rips in the netting, but nothing too horrifying.  There are some remnants of fake leaves in the netting, which leads me to believe this too had some flowers of some sort.  The label here reads “Marche Exclusive” with “Finlan” (yes, “Finlan” not Finland) on the side. And this hat was an even better deal, $1.00!  Especially since my research is digging up an average of about $40.00 for this brand.

Beresford Fur Hat

This certainly was a day for hats, and white ones at that.  This one I couldn’t resist, especially since it was just fun and reminded me of some of the hats that a few Elvgren girls wear.  The top part is bunny fur, and soft as ever to the touch, and the label reads “Beresford”, but I’ve had little luck trying to dig up any info on it.  Cost: $8.00

1955 Montgomery Ward Catalog

I just love old catalogs.  They are wonderful portals into the past.  And this one provides so much insight! Clothes, BBQs, cameras, furniture, shoes, appliances, it’s fabulous!  It’s also interesting to see the cost of things.  $7.98 for dresses!  While that may seem like very little, you have to remember what minimum wages was a heck of a lot less!  But the quality of things made then was a million times better that what comes out of department stores today. Cost: $5.00

Starburst Platter

As you know, I collect Franciscan Starburst. I usually don’t anticipate buying any at Expo because it tends to be very expensive.  Condition is a particular issue with dishes, and especially with Starburst, and often can drastically bring down the price, which is all the better for me! I got this platter for $25.00 due to three small chips on the side.

In case you missed out on this March show, mark your calendars for the July show on the 10th and 11th! It’s bigger and better too!