shop preview: pink owls, mod blooms, and a salty nautical blouse

It's spring, so the shop is bursting with florals:  1940s art deco blooms, 1950s impressionist forest flowers and embroidered violets, 1960s bright mod daisies.  There's also a pretty amazing salty nautical print blouse coming, and an equally wonderful pink owl print skirt.  All items arriving in the shop starting today.

1950s Sacred Forest impressionist floral print dress, by The Jones Girl.

1950s salty nautical flag novelty print blouse.

1970s silky floral print dress with surplice neckline and puff sleeves, by Mel Naftal.

1950s pink embroidered eyelet dress with large bow at waist (that doubles as pockets!), by Carol Craig.

1950s pink owl print full skirt.

1970s lilac Connect-the-Dots floral dress with surplice neckline.

1970s daffodil and lily print blouse, by Ship 'n Shore.

Deadstock 1940s deco floral print cotton day dress.

1950s peach gingham skirt.

Mod 1960s pop daisy print piqué dress, by Malia.

1950s mid century Scratched Squares dress.

1950s flower embroidered blouse with virago sleeves, by Katja of Sweden.

xo

K

shop accessories preview: metallic bow pumps, an ikat bag, and rare nautical needlepoint Vans

A collection of great shoes--two tone patent leather oxfords, metallic pumps with wonderful bows, early nautical needlepoint Vans sneakers--bags, and scarves is coming to the shop, starting today!

1960s two tone patent leather oxford heels.

Oxblood leather Etienne Aigner loafers.

1980s flat woven leather sandals.

Men's Red Wing work boots.

1960s white woven t-strap heels.

1960s metallic double bow pumps, from Carson Pirie Scott.

Rare Van Doren (early Vans) nautical needlepoint sneakers.

1970s crocheted deLanthe bag with wooden handle.

1970s needlepoint clutch.

1980s ikat fabric and leather purse.

1960s ironwork print sheer Vera Neumann scarf.

Mod 1960s Summer Magic rayon and nylon blend scarf.

xo

K

shop preview: a folk dance-ready dirndl, polka dots, flowers, and better photos!

This shop preview represents not just a pretty collection of clothing (really, there's some super stuff here--that dirndl!), but a change in the way things are done here at Small Earth Vintage.  Likely, you won't even notice the change, which is just as well.  For years I've been photographing in our basement, using studio lights.  This has been convenient with plenty of space for taking pictures and an independence from Michigan's fickle sunshine.  (This was a vast improvement from where I started out taking photos--on our deck, in all weather.)  Shooting in the basement often worked just fine, but the photos frequently had an annoying blue cast.  I spent a lot of time editing the photos later to get the colors correct. 

I finally got tired enough of the situation to do something about it.  We get lots of natural light in our living room, even on days that aren't sunny, and there's plenty of space there to shoot clothing photos.  So I set up a backdrop in our living room, hauled up my mannequin and dress form, and the  results are below.  Even though the day was not as sunny as promised, I am pleased with the results.  The photos turned out really nicely, with true colors, and barely any post-photography tweaking needed.

After the preview there's a little collage showing the evolution of my photography for SEV since 2008.  Hopefully, things are much improved! 

All these pretties are arriving in the shop starting today.

1940s Lanz embroidered FOLKLORETANZ dirndl.

1950s polka dot sleeveless blouse.

1940s embroidered lilac linen dress with lacy bustle (!), a Barbara Field Original.

1950s tulip heads print polished cotton blouse.

1950s floral print voile dress.

1960s red polka dot pleated skirt, by Majestic.

1950s pink peonies print party dress, by Semiteen.

1960s silver wicker pattern top, by Betty Lane, deadstock with tags.

1950s Sudden Squall watercolor print dress, by Mardene.

1950s Arts & Crafts floral print blouse with Peter Pan collar.

Small Earth Vintage photos, through the years.

xo

K

shop accessories preview: cowgirl boots, 1940s oxfords, and 1950s eyewear

Red cowgirl boots, 1950s eyeglasses, a tooled leather bag with a horse on it, and more fabulous accessories are coming to the shop, starting today!

Red leather Tony Lama cowgirl boots.

Deadstock 1970s brown leather Dr. Hiss brogues...two more pairs of these in women's size 6 1/2 and 7 coming to the shop.

Deadstock kiltie fringe stack heel loafers by Johansen.

Deadstock 1940s white perforated leather oxford heels by Dr. Hiss, with box.

1950s etched aluminum eyeglass frames by Tura.

Large tooled leather bag with a floral and horse motif.

1950s mauve and burgundy atomic print clip-on bow tie.

1950s green plaid bow tie with shiny Lurex thread by Ormond.

1960s paisley print silk chiffon Vera Neumann scarf.

xo

K

shop preview: springing forward

Things are slowly budding and turning green here in Michigan at last...and the shop is (hopefully a little more quickly) blooming with flower prints and spring color!  Here is a preview of the pretty things coming to the shop this week, starting today.

1950s windowpane check BRICK HOUSE dress, Delrano Original by Georgette.

1950s brown plaid CAMP COFFEE blouse, by Ship 'N Shore.

1940s black crepe dress with satin ribbon and rhinestone trim.

1970s nautical flags print skirt.

1940s sheer crepe COTTON BLOOM print dress.

1960s blue mosaic print cotton blouse.

1960s gray polka dot dress and jacket set, by Leslie Pomer.

1950s copper lace and satin party dress.

1960s red and white floral print cotton blouse.

1950s white floral crochet lace dress.

1940s sheer brown nylon pintucks blouse, by Judy Bond.

xo

K